India ended day 4 on 98 for 2 still trailing by 309 runs with one final day of the Test match left. Winning from here looks difficult as the Indian batsmen will look to play for a draw when they walk out to bat on day five. Australia meanwhile, will be aiming for the final eight wickets as they look to take a 2-1 lead in the series. More about the day 4 report in detail below.
Australia started their day on 103 for 2 and went onto score 312/6 before declaring the innings and setting India a target of 407 runs to win. Steve Smith went onto score 81 to follow up his 131 in the first innings. Marnus Labuschagne scored 73 before he was dismissed. At 208 for five with Steve Smith gone, Australian skipper, Tim Paine joined Chris Green at the wicket. Their partnership of 104 runs in just close to 20 overs dented India whe helped their team post a target for India over 400.
Ravichandran Ashwin yet again accounted for Steve Smith‘s wicket, while Navdeep Saini picked up Wade and Labuschagne.
India Look For Survival on Day 5
Meanwhile, India started strongly in their response to their target with Rohit Sharma (52) and Shubman Gill (31) adding 71 for the first wicket. Both the batsman played some lovely shots and did not allow the Australian bowlers to settle down. Two quick wickets of Gill and Rohit meant that Australia were the happier of the two teams at stumps on day 4. They also fancy their bowlers getting the remaining right wickets coming fresh the next morning.
A lot of off-field activities also were the highlights of the day’s play. Six people who were a part of the crowd contingent on Day four were removed from the SCG stands after Mohammed Siraj complained to the on-field umpires of abuse once again. Siraj along with Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane complained to the on-field umpire regarding the matter and they were then removed from the stands.
Cricket Australia has released an official statement post the racial abuse against Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. They have also promised complete commitment to the investigation of this case.
Brief Scores
India 244-10 & 98-2 (34 Ovs) Australia 338-10 & 312-6 dec India need 309 runs
