Key events
83rd over: Australia 233-9 (Lyon 41, Boland 14) India still have an almost new ball. Nathan Lyon has never made a half-century in Tests, might have the chance today. India start with Siraj, who gets a nick from Boland through the cordon for four! Every run hurts India’s slim chance of a chase, but every over faced is one less India have to survive. Leg bye to keep strike.
Players on the field, let’s go.
Due to the early finish for bad light and rain on day three, we have a 10.09am AEST start today and a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled.
Players are mustering on the sidelines and Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland will indeed resume their 55-run partnership for the 10th wicket. Yesterday they set a record of surviving 50 balls across both innings – just the second 10th wicket partnership pair to do so in Test cricket history.
After stumps today the player of the match will be awarded the Johnny Mullagh Medal. Who was Johnny Unaarimin Mullagh? And why do we celebrate him in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG? Angus Fontaine’s story today has some answers – but also a few questions.
South Africa’s cricketers celebrated overnight, crawling over the line against a resurgent Pakistan bowling attack. That means South Africa are locked in for the World Test Championship final.
The best bit of yesterday was Bumrah’s wrecking ball through the middle order. It was outrageous quality, and deserved to give India a smaller target. But the others couldn’t finish the job.
Preamble
Geoff Lemon
Good Melbourne morning to you, wherever you are in the world. Day 5 from the Melbourne Cricket ground, and we are set up for a belter – although Australia’s final-wicket partnership last night tilted this match further in one direction than a neutral would choose for the perfect setup.
At 2 down and 185 ahead, the game looked comfortably Australia’s. Minutes later, at 4 down and 196 ahead, India had stolen that advantage. Labuschagne and Cummins got that Australian lead back on track, and when the last pair came together at 278 ahead, we felt set for a lead of about 280 which would have been perfect. But 55 runs between Lyon and Boland, inexplicably, has taken that out to 333.
That already seems like too many for India to chase in a day. And the partnership isn’t over yet, we’ll find out soon whether Australia will declare overnight or bat on.
Nonetheless, even if the Indian win is too big an ask, saving the game is entirely possible, and going to Sydney 1-1 would be the result. Winner takes all, there, or draw it and India keep the trophy. So, plenty for the visitors to play for today, whether or not they decide to bat aggressively.
It’ll be tough going on a fifth-day pitch. Stay with us all day, we’ll keep you posted.
