Australia triumphs in Melbourne, inches closer to WTC final spot

Australia has taken a massive step towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final after defeating India by 184 runs in a thrilling fourth Test Cricket in Melbourne.

The hosts began the final day on 228/9, holding a 333-run lead. Nathan Lyon contributed a quick 41 before being dismissed in the opening moments, setting India a challenging target of 339 to win or a full day to bat out for a draw.

India’s chase started positively, with the openers navigating the early overs confidently. However, Pat Cummins swung the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor, removing Rohit Sharma for 19 and KL Rahul for a duck. The pressure mounted as Virat Kohli’s struggles continued, with the former captain departing for just five, leaving India reeling at 33/3.

Rishabh Pant (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) provided hope for the visitors with a gritty 88-run partnership. The duo batted resolutely, guiding India to what looked like a draw as they defied the Australian bowlers across two sessions.

The breakthrough came in the final session when Travis Head dismissed Pant, sparking a collapse that saw Ravindra Jadeja (22) and Nitesh Kumar (10) fall in quick succession. Jaiswal, India’s top scorer, tried to hold the innings together but was eventually dismissed in the 71st over.

Australia’s bowlers wrapped up the tail swiftly, dismissing Akash Deep (5), Jasprit Bumrah (0), and Mohammed Siraj (0) in under half an hour. The victory was sealed inside the final hour, completing a clinical performance.

Pat Cummins reflected on the thrilling win after being awarded player of the match: “What an amazing Test match, I reckon one of the best I’ve been part of. All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it’s been amazing to be part of.”

Australia’s chances of securing a spot in the WTC final now lie in their hands. A win in the fifth Test in Sydney, starting Friday, will guarantee their qualification.

India’s hopes are hanging by a thread, with their chances of making the WTC final relying on a victory in Sydney and Australia failing to win their two Tests against Sri Lanka later in January.

With South Africa already confirmed for the WTC final, the battle for the remaining spot intensifies. Australia heads into the final Test as strong favourites, with cricket betting sites backing them to close out the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in style.

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