India vs Australia Melbourne Test: Bumrah and Siraj Shine as Reddy’s Century Fuels India’s Fightback
India’s bowling duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, kept the visitors alive on Day 4 of the Melbourne Test, delivering vital breakthroughs that brought India closer to Australia’s lead. The hosts ended the morning session at 53/2, extending their lead to 158 runs.
Bumrah’s Redemption Moment
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed debutant Sam Konstas for just 8, taking revenge for Konstas’ aggressive first-innings knock. Bumrah’s delivery cut back off the seam, hitting the stumps and sparking an emotional celebration. “It was crucial to get that early breakthrough,” Bumrah said post-session.
Siraj’s Impactful Spell
Mohammed Siraj contributed significantly by clean-bowling Usman Khawaja for 21. Siraj’s “shhh” gesture to the crowd underlined the intensity of the series, as he silenced critics with a stellar performance.
Reddy’s Game-Changing Century
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s patient knock of 114 in the first innings helped India recover from early setbacks. Resuming the day at 358/9, his resilience ensured India closed their innings at 369, reducing Australia’s first-innings lead to a manageable 116 runs. Reddy’s century, marked by 11 fours and a six, was a standout moment, drawing applause from fans at the MCG.
Controversies and Turning Points
The game saw its share of drama, including a disputed low catch appeal against Siraj, which was overturned by the third umpire. Despite frustrations, Pat Cummins vowed to keep Australia on the offensive.
As the game heads into a pivotal phase, India will need to leverage Bumrah and Siraj’s momentum while preparing for a challenging second innings. With Reddy’s century inspiring the team, cricket fans are set for a thrilling conclusion to this Test match.
