HAZLEWOOD, CUMMINS STRUCK TWO CRUCIAL BLOWS AS AUSTRALIA GOES INTO THE FINAL DAY NEEDING 8 WICKETS TO WIN THE PINK TEST

 

Cameron Green scoring his maiden Test half century

The fielding woes continues as India started the 4^th Day with Hanuma Vihari spilling a rather simple chance presented by Labuschagne of Bumrah in the second ball of the day. The storyline could have been different, but now Australia has given a huge 407 runs target to chase for the Indian team. Starting the day at 103/2, ace batsmen, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued their good run from the first innings pilling on another century stand for the 3^rd wicket before Marnus got dismissed by a fine catch by Wriddhiman Saha down the leg side of Saini after a fine knock of 73 runs. Wade followed soon nicking one to Saha of Saini scoring just 4 runs of 11 balls. Smith went on to score 81. Australia went on to declare at the score of 312/6 after Cameron Green got dismissed for a solid 84. Green brought up his maiden half century in Test Cricket.

Vihari dropped a sitter from Labuschagne in the second ball of Day 4

Meanwhile the racial comments continued from the stands to the Indian players as we saw, Mohammed Siraj bringing the issue once again to the match officials. The SCG authorities had to ask six supporters to leave the ground. Cricket Australia later an official statement stating their zero tolerance towards the comments and assured a lengthy ban once the perpetrators are identified.

Six Fans told to leave the stadium following the Indian teams complains about the racial comments

Cummins celebrates Rohit Sharma's wicket

 Chasing 409, the Indian openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma was again able to give a solid start with a 71 run partnership. Gill was dismissed by Hazlewood getting the outside edge through to the skipper, Tim Paine scoring 31 runs of 64 balls. Rohit went on to score his half century before pulling one straight down to the deep square leg fielder off Pat Cummins, departing for a well made 52 of 98 balls. Pujara and Rahana saw through the last few overs of the day at 98/2 needing another 309 runs to win on the 5^th Day in a pitch which has not yet shown any demons in it. It will be interesting to see the approach of the Indians coming out tomorrow as we have to wait and watch if they are going for the win or a draw. India has a slight disadvantage with Jadeja not able to bat because of injury, they will be going in with one batsman short.

By Sayandeep Dutta

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