Bumrah shines as Boxing Day Test heads to final day thriller

Australia and India have set the stage for a Boxing Day Test Cricket thriller, with a final day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground promising fireworks after a gripping Day 4.

Current odds have Australia tipped as a $2.25 chance, while the draw takes favouritism as $2.15 with the top online boomakers.

What began as India’s march towards the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was upended by a defiant lower-order partnership between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, which swung the momentum back to the hosts and left India chasing 334 for victory on Day 5.

The day was punctuated by Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning spell of fast bowling, which reaffirmed his status as one of cricket’s modern greats.

Jasprit Bumrah ripped through Australia’s top order with a masterful display, collecting key wickets, including Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and Alex Carey, in a blistering post-lunch burst.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist was left in awe of Bumrah’s brilliance, calling it “a different planet” of performance.

Bumrah’s achievements extended beyond the immediate impact, as he became the 12th Indian bowler to reach 200 Test wickets, further solidifying his place among the game’s elite.

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri described Bumrah as a generational talent, capable of swinging matches with his skill and precision, even in conditions favouring the batsmen.

While Bumrah shone, Mitchell Marsh continued his summer struggles, with his position in the team now under scrutiny.

Marsh, the reigning Allan Border Medallist, has averaged just 11.60 this season in Australia, prompting speculation about his place in the XI ahead of the New Year’s Test at the SCG.

Beau Webster, a standout performer in the Sheffield Shield, looms as a potential replacement, offering both batting depth and bowling versatility.

As Australia’s top order faltered, Lyon and Boland’s 55-run stand for the final wicket proved decisive, frustrating India’s bowlers and pushing the lead past the 300-run mark.

Their resilience not only set up an imposing target but also underscored the unpredictable nature of this match.

India’s fielding woes added to the drama, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping three crucial catches.

The missed opportunities allowed Australia to rebuild and regain momentum. Despite Jaiswal’s errors, India’s energy in the field—embodied by a fired-up Virat Kohli—kept the contest alive.

Ravi Shastri credited the team’s fightback to the character shown by young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had earlier inspired his teammates with a gutsy century.

The Melbourne crowd, already record-breaking over the first four days, will now watch history in the making as both teams vie for victory on Monday.

With all three results still in play, the final day promises to be a captivating chapter in the storied rivalry between these cricketing giants.

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