It took India a few overs on day five to wrap Australia’s innings, and win the MCG Test in some style. Led by Jasprit Bumrah, the India National Cricket Team took two remaining wickets, after rain halted game for a while. On the final day of the Test, the first session got washed out due to rain. Post lunch, the Indians finished the match in quick time and retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Sydney will host the fourth and final Test, starting January 3rd.
India retains Border-Gavaskar trophy
Now, irrespective of the result in the final Test at the SCG, India National Cricket Team will lift the Border-Gavaskar trophy. In 2017, the Virat Kohli-led team had beaten the mighty Aussies 2-1 in the four-match series.
Match Summary
Speaking of this Test, India’s tactics have helped them stamp their authority. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, sent the message out loudly; that they are here to win. Justifying the call, the India openers made some early inroads in the game. Later, Cheteshwar Pujara slammed his 17th Test ton to put the visitors on top. However, Virat declared on 443 for seven in the first innings.
Later, Australia succumbed under pressure, as they got all out on 151, trailing behind 292 runs in the first innings. Courtesy Jasprit Bumrah’s maiden six-for in Tests, the Virat-led side put the hosts off the winning radar. In the second innings, India failed to get going, as they scored a mere 106 for eight dec.; giving a target of 399 to the Australians.
Chasing a daunting total of 399, Australia never really got going. At lunch on day four, they lost two wickets, and by the time the stumps were taken, they had lost eight wickets. However, it was Pat Cummins’ half-century which had kept the Aussies in the game. Though his innings was filled with excellent shots, Cummins got out to Bumrah early on day five. Ishant Sharma, later, completed the formalities by picking up Nathan Lyon.
Brief Score –
India – 443/7 dec, 106/8 dec
Australia – 151, 261
India won the MCG Test by 137 runs
Here is how the Twitter reacted –
Incredible effort by #TeamIndia to take a 2-1 lead, especially @Jaspritbumrah93 who has played an instrumental role in this win. He has gone from strength to strength in all formats of the game. Definitely one of the best in the world today. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/vweoHd0nEE
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 30, 2018
When we are critical of the batting can we please say this Test the batting stood up and got us 450. Credit where due.
Lets please celebrate this win. Never happened before.— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) December 30, 2018
And that's a wrap on Melbourne! What a rollercoaster of a game it has been. Games like these bring out the true beauty of test cricket. Thank you all for your wishes. Ending 2018 with this lovely memory. On to the final one now! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/durwAO5HmC
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) December 30, 2018
Not an easy place to come and win and every test win here needs to be cherished like there is no tomorrow. Special mention to @imVkohli @cheteshwar1 and our very own Malcom M @Jaspritbumrah93 ? pic.twitter.com/jIB8oJ0eMG
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) December 30, 2018
Interesting how both @imVkohli & @Jaspritbumrah93 praise the significance of the Ranji Trophy in their player development. Shame we’re not sharing the same sentiment with Sheffield Shield. #AUDvIND
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 30, 2018
Great win. Memorable. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy stays in India.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 30, 2018
