On Day 4 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj stepped up for their team. They took two important wickets before lunch, leaving Australia at 53 for 2, with a lead of 158 runs. Marnus Labuschagne was at 20 not out, and Steve Smith had 2 runs at that moment.
Earlier in the match, India scored 369 runs in their first innings. Nitish Kumar Reddy played a key role by scoring a solid 114 runs, helping India recover from a tough position after they were 358 for 9.
Bumrah Gets Back at Konstas
Bumrah was eager to dismiss debutant Sam Konstas, who had hurt him in the first innings with a score of 60. This time, Bumrah bowled a perfect delivery that knocked Konstas out for just 8 runs. Bumrah celebrated excitedly, flapping his arms and playfully mocking Konstas, who had tried to engage the crowd earlier.
“I felt great to get that wicket,” Bumrah said after. “Taking early wickets is really important for us.”
Siraj’s Key Wicket
Following Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj got Usman Khawaja out for 21 runs. Siraj bowled a brilliant delivery that went through Khawaja’s bat and pads. He celebrated joyfully, making a “shhh” gesture at the crowd, who had been very loud.
“It felt good to take that wicket, especially after all the noise from the crowd,” Siraj said. “We’re ready to fight in this challenging series.”
Reddy’s Amazing Century
India’s first innings ended at 369 runs, thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s careful and emotional 114 runs. He added 11 more runs in the morning before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. Reddy’s century, which took 171 balls and included 11 fours and a six, was significant because he was playing in front of his family in Melbourne.
“It was an emotional moment, and I’m proud of the fight we showed as a team,” Reddy said after his dismissal.
The morning session also saw a big moment when Australia appealed for a catch off Siraj’s bat that was turned down by the third umpire, leaving Australian captain Pat Cummins frustrated.
“It was a tough call, but we have to keep pushing,” Cummins said.
As Australia continues to lead by 158 runs, the match remains exciting. India needs strong bowling and batting in the next innings. With Bumrah and Siraj performing well and Reddy’s century boosting their confidence, the contest at the MCG promises to be a thrilling finish to this tough series.
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