But marnus labuschagne

Melbourne Cricket Ground: The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is set for a grandstand finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, after a solid 51-run stand for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out) helped Australia extended its lead to 333 runs.

At stumps, Australia reached 228/9 in 82 overs, surviving a deadly four-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah, which reduced them to 91/6, with the pacer clinching his 200th Test wicket in the process. But Marnus Labuschagne stood up to make 70, while skipper Pat Cummins made 41 to stage Australia’s initial recovery.

But Lyon and Boland batted together for 110 balls, and ensured their resistance left India agitated in front of 43,867 fans. It would be interesting to see if Australia would continue batting tomorrow or declare overnight and push India into a remarkable chase – the highest-ever in the MCG - on final day’s play, something which will make many fans recall the epic 2021 Gabba chase.