Australia in commanding position on Day 4 of WTC final, set India record target
Australia declared their second innings at 270/8, setting India a record target of 444 runs to win the World Test Championship final. India were 164/3 at Stumps on Day 4, with Virat Kohli unbeaten on 44.
India face a challenging task on the final day of the World Test Championship summit clash against Australia after a dominant performance by the Australian team on Day 4. Australia started the day with a lead of 296 runs and 6 wickets in hand. However, India fought back in the morning session, taking crucial wickets including that of Marnus Labuschagne. Cam Green and Alex Carey then displayed resilience, but Green eventually fell to Ravindra Jadeja. Mitchell Starc and Carey added valuable runs, frustrating the Indian bowlers. Australia declared with a lead of 443, setting India a daunting target of 444 to win.
In their chase, India got off to a promising start with openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma scoring quickly before Tea. However, Gill's dismissal sparked controversy as the third umpire denied him the benefit of the doubt despite a diving catch by Green that appeared to have touched the ground. Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara rebuilt the innings with a partnership of 51 runs, but both batsmen fell in unusual ways. Rohit was trapped LBW attempting a paddle sweep, while Pujara played an unexpected upper cut and edged the ball to the wicketkeeper.
Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli steadied the innings, adding 71 runs and ensuring India reached Stumps with 164/3 on the scoreboard. They will resume on the final day, needing 280 more runs for victory.
Brief Scores: India 296 & 164/3 (Virat Kohli 44*, Rohit Sharma 43, Nathan Lyon 1-32) need 280 to win vs. Australia 469 & 270/8 dec. (Alex Carey 66*, Mitchell Starc 41, Ravindra Jadeja 3-58).
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