New Delhi: Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper batsmen Reesha Pant A fierce counterattack was staged on the last day boxing day testallowing India to maintain its leading position in the competition with Australia Melbourne Cricket Ground. The duo performed well throughout the post-lunch session, leading India to 112/3 on Monday’s tea break in pursuit of a daunting target of 340 runs.
The morning session saw India in deep trouble, with three quick wickets shocking the visitors. captain australia Pat Cummins Suffering a double blow, Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0) were eliminated in the same round. Mitchell Stark The dismissal of Virat Kohli (5) before lunch reduced India to 33/3, adding to India’s woes.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Test
However, Jaiswal and Pant showed immense determination and maturity to forge an unbeaten 79-run partnership to keep India’s hopes alive. Jaiswal, undeterred by the pressure and provocation brought on by Starc’s antics on the field, marked his half-centenary and remained unbeaten on 63 at the break. Pant provided steady support and ended up with 28 not out.
Starc tried to distract Jaiswal with unorthodox tactics, including switching guards at the non-striker end and engaging in verbal exchanges. But the 23-year-old opener held his ground and responded with baseline and coolness to thwart Australia’s attack.
Pant is known for his aggressive batting style but he showed a different facet of his game. His considered approach was evident with 69% of his deliveries being defended or defended alone – the highest proportion of innings in which he faced at least 50 balls in his Test career.
Pant’s calming influence could be heard through the stump microphone as he advised Jaiswal with words like “Koi jaldi nahi hai” (no rush), underlining their carefully planned strategy.
The match after lunch was all about the Indian duo, who absorbed the pressure and kept the wickets intact while steadily chipping away at the target. With 228 runs needed and 7 wickets in hand, the final match promises to be a gripping end to an enthralling fourth Test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
