India Stumbles in Fourth Test, Suffers 184-Run Loss to Australia

December 30, 2024

Melbourne: India endured a crushing 184-run defeat against Australia in the fourth Test on Monday, marking a low point in the ongoing series. The disappointing performances of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to raise questions about their future in red-ball cricket, as India’s hopes of securing the World Test Championship (WTC) final hang by a thread.

Chasing a daunting target of 340, India collapsed spectacularly, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs in the final session. The team was bundled out for 155 in 79.1 overs, exposing their technical flaws and mental fragility.

Australia’s Bowlers Shine Bright

Pat Cummins led from the front with a masterful display, while Scott Boland complemented him with relentless accuracy. Nathan Lyon exploited the variable bounce effectively, and Mitchell Starc claimed the prized wicket of Kohli, who once again fell to a delivery outside off-stump.

Earlier in the innings, a gritty 88-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant gave India hope. However, it wasn’t enough to stave off another batting collapse.

India’s Struggles Continue

“We are extremely disappointed with the result. We tried to fight, but credit goes to Australia for playing better cricket,” said Rohit Sharma during the post-match presentation. He admitted that India failed to seize key moments in the game.

Australia now leads the series 2-1, leaving India in a must-win position for the final Test in Sydney to keep their WTC final aspirations alive.

Missed Opportunities and Controversies

The dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal added to the drama. The young opener, who fought valiantly for his 50, was controversially adjudged caught behind, with the third umpire overruling the initial decision. Apart from Jaiswal, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure.

Rishabh Pant’s innings was a mix of resilience and recklessness. After weathering 103 balls, he played a loose shot off a long hop from Travis Head, throwing away his hard-earned start.

Senior Players Under Scrutiny

The poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remains a major concern. Rohit’s ultra-defensive approach as an opener has often put India on the back foot. He fell yet again to Pat Cummins, who has now dismissed him ten times in Tests.

Kohli’s recurring struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump have become glaringly evident. His eagerness to drive resulted in his dismissal at first slip off Mitchell Starc.

KL Rahul also endured a forgettable outing, falling for a duck in the second innings, adding to India’s batting woes.

Bowling Positives Amidst Batting Collapse

Despite the defeat, Jasprit Bumrah’s tireless efforts stood out. He bowled 50 overs across the match and took nine wickets. Youngster Nitish Reddy also impressed with a gritty century earlier in the series, showcasing promise for the future.

However, India’s bowling couldn’t compensate for their underwhelming batting performances. The final-day resistance from Australia’s tailenders Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon widened the target beyond India’s reach.

Transition Period Looms for Indian Cricket

India’s batting lineup, once formidable, now appears fragile. The team is in a transition phase, and the pressure is mounting on both captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to bring about meaningful changes.

With the series on the line and a WTC final spot slipping away, the final Test in Sydney will be a true test of character for the Indian team. Whether the senior players rise to the occasion or India opts for a new direction remains to be seen.