India’s loss in the fourth Test against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. Despite moments of brilliance, several factors contributed to their defeat.
Despite moments of brilliance, particularly from their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, several factors contributed to their downfall.
A recurring theme throughout the series, India’s top-order batting struggled to consistently convert starts into substantial scores. This put immense pressure on the middle order, making it difficult to build partnerships and set a competitive target.
Furthermore, key players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant failed to deliver consistent performances, further hindering India’s progress. Controversial on-field decisions also played a role, with several crucial moments seemingly going against the Indian team.
Here are the top 5 reasons why India faced a crushing defeat against Australia in the 4th test:
1. Top-Order Collapse, A Recurring Theme
India’s top-order batting has been a cause for concern throughout the series, and the fourth Test was no exception. Both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul struggled to find their rhythm, failing to convert starts into substantial scores. This put immense pressure on the middle order, making it difficult to build partnerships and set a solid foundation.
2. Virat Kohli’s Inconsistency, A Shadow of His Former Self
Virat Kohli, once a pillar of India’s batting lineup, has been struggling to find his form in recent times. His inconsistent performances continued in the fourth Test, where he failed to make a significant contribution. His dismissal in both innings left a void in the batting order, further hindering India’s chances of a strong total.
3. Rishabh Pant’s Impatience, A Costly Mistake
Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive strokeplay, often plays a crucial role in India’s batting. However, his impatience in the fourth Test proved costly. He threw his wicket away in both innings, playing rash shots that gifted the Australian bowlers easy wickets. His dismissals at crucial junctures left India with a mountain to climb.
4. Jasprit Bumrah’s Lone Warrior, Lack of Support
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, once again delivered a stellar performance, claiming nine wickets in the match. However, he lacked adequate support from his fellow bowlers. The Indian pace attack failed to consistently trouble the Australian batsmen, allowing them to score freely at times. This lack of support put immense pressure on Bumrah, ultimately contributing to India’s defeat.
5. Controversial Decisions, A Tipping Point
The fourth Test was marred by several controversial decisions that went against India. The most notable incident involved Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was controversially given out lbw despite replays suggesting a possible inside edge. This decision, coupled with other contentious calls, tilted the momentum in Australia’s favor and played a significant role in India’s eventual loss.
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