Australia did not take long to grab the elusive wicket of Nitish Reddy as they prepared to bat with 105 runs in their kitty. India, though, came out flying with the ball as Jasprit Bumrah exacted his revenge by dismissing Sam Konstas with a jaffa. The hosts tried to rebuild the innings with Labuschagne and Khawaja but the latter looked like a walking wicket throughout his stay at the crease. His laboured 65-ball 21 was brought to an end by Siraj, who found his way through the gate to leave the southpaw stunned. While Smith and Labuschagne played out the rest of the session, the scoreboard reading 53/2 showcased how close the game truly was.
The usually reliable duo looked shaky with India piling on the pressure and the game switched into hyper mode in the 33rd over as Siraj got rid of Smith, who had scored a century in the first innings. Bumrah followed up that over with a couple wickets including one of Travis Head. A couple of overs later, Carey found his way back into the dressing room after getting completely squared up by Bumrah as the Indian pacer secured his 200th wicket in Test cricket in just 44 matches. India had a chance to pile on more misery on the hosts but Jasiwal handed Labuschagne a lifeline by dropping a sitter at gully. The Aussies were able to get to the next interval without any more damage with 135/6 on the board and an overall lead of 240 runs.
Following the break, India finally got the breakthrough that they were looking for as Siraj accounted for Labuschagne’s wicket. A mix-up between Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins saw the former take the long walk back to the pavilion with 156 runs on the board. Just when India thought they were into the tail, Australia added another 17 runs for the ninth wicket. With Cummins finally succumbing to Jadeja, Australia’s lead sat at a competitive 278. However, Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) build a 50+ run partnership to end the day at 228/9.
Feel for him!
Heart breaking
LOL
Bumrah literally said
“Nahi lag raha zor ab”
When he was asked to bowl once again to get the last wicket 😭😭
Thank You Bumrah! You are GEM— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) December 29, 2024
Indian fans on last wicket partnership: pic.twitter.com/qzaeadXUUZ
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) December 29, 2024
Beauty
Last wicket
the last 4 wickets of Australia have added more than 250 runs in both the inns, absolutely ridiculous
— soo washed (@anubhav__tweets) December 29, 2024
Waiting for last wicket pic.twitter.com/oBgut9ddds
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 29, 2024
True
That last wicket lasted longer than 18% GST on Caramel Popcorn
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 29, 2024
Frustrating
This last wicket partnership has been frustrating to watch #BGT2024
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) December 29, 2024
Mood watching Australia’s last wicket partnership: pic.twitter.com/ODlBVFtLea
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 29, 2024
Crazy
