At the end of Day 4, when the Aussies seemed to be struggling with 9 wickets down, Australian no. 10 Nathan Lyon and no. 11 Scott Boland put on invaluable 50 runs for the final wicket of the inning.
The Aussies posted a decent 228/9 at the end of Day 4, as they have extended their lead to 333 with some splendid innings scored from Labuschagne, skipper Cummins, and Lyon. India would have to chase a minimum of 334 runs even if Australia declared or failed to score any further runs on the final day of the Boxing Day test.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or the MCG, is one of the most widely renowned venues in world cricket, as it has witnessed years of enriched cricket history and several iconic run chases in Test cricket.
Highest successful run chases at the MCG in tests:
1. England chased 332 against Australia in 1928.
2. England chased 298 against Australia in 1895.
3. South Africa chased 297 against Australia in 1953.
If India can chase down the new set target at the MCG, this will be the highest-ever run chase ever recorded at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While 231 remains the highest-ever chase of the 21st century, which was aced by Australia against England back in 2013.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled the second over, the final over of Day 4, when he almost dismissed Lyon for 35 as a sharp outswinger took the Aussie no. 10’s outside edge. Indian slip fielder KL Rahul grabbed a stunner as he trapped the ball within his legs; however, all his efforts were in vain as the umpire signalled no ball, and Lyon was ruled not out.
Anyway, India remains the only team from the subcontinent that has ever won a Test match while chasing a target at the MCG.
