India lose seven wickets in the final session; Australia snatch 2-1 series lead

Australia beat India by 184 runs in a thrilling conclusion to the fourth Test in Melbourne to take a 2-1 lead going into the final match of the series.

India were set a target of 340 in 92 overs and batted cautiously throughout the innings with little ambition to chase an unlikely victory.

But a sensational bowling performance in the evening session saw Australia take the final seven wickets for just 34 runs as India were bowled out for 155 in the final hour.

The tourists slipped to 33-3 but opener Yashasvi Jaiswal looked intent on securing a hard-fought draw for India before he was caught behind off Pat Cummins for 84 from 208 balls with 21 overs remaining.

Jaiswal had battled through a wicketless afternoon session alongside wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who made 30 from 104 balls – but they were the only men to pass double figures.

Pant eventually ran out of patience and slogged Travis Head to long-on for another wasteful dismissal and his departure after tea sparked the collapse.

Cummins and Scott Boland finished with three wickets each while spinner Nathan Lyon took two after his batting heroics, falling for 41 in the second over of the day as Australia were all out for 234.

He was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with 5-57 in another scintillating performance.

The series concludes in Sydney from 2 January, where a win would secure Australia’s place in the World Test Championship final alongside South Africa. (BBC)