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At 2 down and 185 ahead, the game looked comfortably Australia’s. Minutes later, at 4 down and 196 ahead, India had stolen that advantage. Labuschagne and Cummins got that Australian lead back on track, and when the last pair came together at 278 ahead, we felt set for a lead of about 280 which would have been perfect. But 55 runs between Lyon and Boland, inexplicably, has taken that out to 333.
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That already seems like too many for India to chase in a day. And the partnership isn’t over yet, we’ll find out soon whether Australia will declare overnight or bat on.
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Nonetheless, even if the Indian win is too big an ask, saving the game is entirely possible, and going to Sydney 1-1 would be the result. Winner takes all, there, or draw it and India keep the trophy. So, plenty for the visitors to play for today, whether or not they decide to bat aggressively.
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It’ll be tough going on a fifth-day pitch. Stay with us all day, we’ll keep you posted.
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main events
83rd over: Australia 233-9 (Lyon 41, Boland 14) India still has an almost new ball. Nathan Ryan has never played a Test half-century, but he might get a chance today. India starts with Siraj, breaks through the fourth cordon and gets a nick from Borland! Every run India concedes hurts their slim chances of chasing, but every time they are cornered there is one less chance India has to survive.
Players on the field, let's go.
Day 3 ended early due to poor weather and rain, so today will start at 10:09am AEST with a minimum of 98 overs bowled.
The players have assembled on the sidelines and Nathan Ryan and Scott Borland will certainly resume their 55-run partnership for the 10th wicket. Yesterday, they set a record by surviving 50 pitches in both innings. This is the second record for a 10-wicket partnership pair in Test cricket history.
After today's stamp, the best player will be awarded the Johnny Muller Medal. who was it Johnny Unaarimin Mullah? And why are we celebrating him in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG? Today's Angus Fontaine story has some answers, but also some questions.
South African cricketers celebrated all night by crawling on the lines against a resurgent Pakistan bowling attack. This means that South Africa have qualified for the World Test Championship final.
The best thing yesterday was Bumrah's hard hitting from the middle order. It was a hell of a quality and deserved to give India a small goal. However, others were unable to finish the job.
preamble
Jeff Lemon
Good morning from Melbourne, wherever you are in the world. Five days out from the Melbourne Cricket Ground and we're ready for the belter. However, Australia's partnership on the final wicket last night tilted this match even further in one direction than the neutrals opting for the perfect set-up.
At 2 down and 185 ahead, the match looked to be in Australia's favor. A few minutes later, at 4 down and leading by 196, India snatched the advantage. When Labuschagne and Cummins took the Australian lead back onto the track and the last pair tied up in 278th place, we felt we had a lead of around 280 points, which should have been perfect. However, inexplicably, there were 55 points between Lyon and Borland, which brought the score to 333 points.
This already seems too much for India to chase in one day. And the partnership isn't over yet. We will soon find out whether Australia declares itself overnight or presses ahead.
Nevertheless, even if a win for India was too big a ask, it is quite possible to save the match and the result would go to Sydney 1-1. Winner-take-all or a draw will see India retain the trophy. So whether the visitors bat aggressively or not, there is plenty of time to play today.
It will be tough to pitch on the fifth day. Please join us throughout the day. We will notify you of the latest information.
