Key Points:
- India suffers a dramatic defeat in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, losing 7 wickets in the final session.
- Controversial third-umpire decision to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal becomes the turning point in the match.
- Australia wins by 184 runs, securing a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
- Indian batting collapse after strong resistance from Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant.
- Team India must win the final match to level the series and salvage pride.
New Delhi: In a nail-biting Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, the Indian cricket team faced a crushing defeat against Australia in the final hours of play. A spirited chase for 340 runs ended in despair as the visitors collapsed from a position of promise, losing 7 wickets in the last session to be bowled out for 155 runs. With this victory, Australia secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, ensuring they cannot lose the series, while India now fights to avoid defeat by leveling it in the final match.
A Dramatic Final Day Unfolds
The final day began with India dismissing Australia’s Nathan Lyon early, wrapping up their second innings for 234. With a daunting target of 340, India’s approach oscillated between chasing victory and securing a draw.
The first session saw a shaky start as the visitors lost Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and skipper Virat Kohli cheaply. However, hope was rekindled when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant stitched a gritty partnership in the second session, frustrating the Australian bowlers.
The duo seemed poised to steer India to safety, but the game flipped dramatically after tea. Rishabh Pant fell prey to a clever strategy by Australian skipper Pat Cummins, miscuing a shot off part-time spinner Travis Head. This dismissal opened the floodgates, with Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy following suit soon after.
The Controversial Dismissal That Changed the Game
The match’s most contentious moment came with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal. Facing Pat Cummins, Jaiswal was caught behind by Alex Carey. The on-field umpire ruled it not out, but Australia reviewed the decision.
Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula overturned the on-field decision after viewing the video footage, claiming the ball had brushed Jaiswal’s gloves. However, the snickometer clearly showed no contact between the bat or gloves and the ball, raising questions about the validity of the decision. The controversial call derailed India’s momentum and was heavily criticized by fans and experts alike.
Australia Tightens Grip with Late Burst
After Jaiswal’s departure, India’s lower order folded under relentless Australian pressure. Mitchell Starc and Cummins ripped through the tail, leaving India 184 runs short of their target. Australia’s clinical performance in the final session demonstrated their dominance, while India was left ruing missed opportunities and contentious decisions.
Series on the Line for India
Australia’s victory in Melbourne guarantees them at least a draw in the series, while India faces an uphill battle to salvage pride. The final Test will be a must-win for the visitors to level the series 2-2.
The defeat, marked by resilience, drama, and controversy, will undoubtedly fuel debates about umpiring decisions and India’s inability to handle pressure in crunch situations. For now, the focus shifts to the series finale, where India will look to bounce back and rewrite their fortunes Down Under.
