Twitter reactions: Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling blitz sets the stage before Australia’s lower order frustrate India on Day 4 of the MCG Test

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In a gripping day of Test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia and India engaged in a fierce battle that showcased remarkable individual performances and shifting momentum. As Day 4 unfolded, Jasprit Bumrah‘s exceptional bowling dismantled the Australian middle order, while Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland‘s resilience frustrated India’s attempts to wrap up the innings.

Nitish Kumar Reddy’s resilience ends at the start of Day 4

Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as a beacon of hope for India with his maiden Test century, scoring 114 runs in a valiant effort that kept India competitive. His innings was characterized by a blend of solid defense and aggressive stroke play, particularly during a record partnership for the eighth wicket with Washington Sundar. Together, they added 127 runs, significantly reducing Australia’s first-innings lead from 311 to a manageable 116 before Reddy fell to Lyon on the start of the day. His century not only showcased his potential but also brought life back into the Indian camp at a time when they desperately needed it.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah scripts unique record after going past 200-wickets milestone in MCG Test

Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery burst on Day 4

Bumrah continued to assert his dominance with the ball, claiming four wickets for 56 runs, including the crucial scalps of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in a devastating spell that left Australia reeling at 99 for 6. This performance marked Bumrah’s 200th Test wicket, a significant milestone that underscored his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. After lunch, Bumrah’s relentless pressure forced Steve Smith into an ill-advised drive, which was expertly caught by Mohammed Siraj, further deepening Australia’s woes as they struggled to build any momentum in their second innings

Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland hold firm to end the day

As India sought to capitalize on their bowling success, Lyon and Boland proved to be formidable obstacles. The duo combined for an unbroken last-wicket partnership that frustrated Indian bowlers and extended Australia’s lead to 333 runs by stumps. Lyon’s gritty performance included an unbeaten 41 runs, during which he survived a close call when he edged one to slip, only for Bumrah to overstep. This moment epitomized the day’s tension as India missed crucial opportunities to claim wickets.

The final push to decide the fate on Day 5

Heading into Day 5, India face an uphill battle. No team has successfully chased down a target higher than 332 at the MCG in fourth innings history, making their task daunting. The ghosts of past encounters loom large as memories of India’s historic win at the Gabba in 2021 resurface. With Bumrah leading the charge and Reddy’s heroics fresh in mind, India must muster all their resolve to challenge Australia’s total. As the day concluded with Australia at 228 for 9, leading by 333 runs, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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