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In the ongoing fourth Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jasprit Bumrah showcased his exceptional bowling skills on Day 4, leaving cricket fans in awe. The Indian pace spearhead delivered a sensational performance, particularly highlighted by his stunning dismissal of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey. This match has been a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for supremacy as they seek to secure an advantage in the series.
A fiery start to Day 4 for India
The day began with Team India aiming to make early inroads into the Australian batting lineup. Bumrah and his fellow seamers wasted no time, striking early by dismissing Australia’s openers cheaply. Bumrah’s first breakthrough came when he dismissed Sam Konstas, while Mohammed Siraj quickly followed suit by removing Usman Khawaja. Despite these early setbacks, Australia managed to extend their lead past 150 runs, setting a challenging target for India.
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Jasprit Bumrah bamboozles Alex Carey with stunning delivery
The highlight of Bumrah’s day came during Australia’s second innings when he bowled a remarkable delivery to Carey on the last ball of the 36th over. The ball pitched on a good length and jagged back sharply after hitting the ground. Carey attempted to punch it through the covers but was caught off guard by the movement, resulting in an inside edge that crashed into the off-stump. This delivery not only showcased Bumrah’s skill but also emphasized his ability to deceive even the most adept batters.
Here’s the video:
Australia have lost 4-11 in 21 balls and Jasprit Bumrah has taken 3-3 in 11 balls! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/s8g9lSamrF
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024
Australia’s post-lunch collapse
After lunch, Australia found themselves at 53/2, leading by 158 runs, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith at the crease. However, the second session saw a dramatic collapse as Bumrah continued to wreak havoc. He claimed three wickets in quick succession, dismissing Travis Head for just 1 run and Mitchell Marsh for a duck. This flurry of wickets left Australia reeling at 135/6 before Tea, with Bumrah reaching a significant milestone of 200 Test wickets in only 44 matches.
India’s bowling strategy and Australia’s response
Bumrah’s performance was crucial in maintaining pressure on the Australian batting lineup. His unique bowling action and ability to generate swing and seam movement have made him one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket. As noted by former players and analysts, his unorthodox style often leaves batters unsettled, particularly those who have not faced him before. With Australia losing four wickets for just 11 runs in a mere 22 balls during this session, it was clear that Bumrah’s presence had a profound impact on the match dynamics.
India aim to bowl out Australia for a manageable target, they are keenly aware of the stakes involved. The series is currently tied at 1-1, and a victory in this match would significantly enhance India’s chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. Earlier in the match, India had been bowled out for 369, adding only 11 runs to their overnight score. Controversy erupted during their innings when Mohammed Siraj appeared to edge a delivery only for the third umpire to rule it a bump ball, leaving Australian players frustrated.