Nathan Lyon leads Australia to commanding lead against India

Nathan Lyon’s resilient batting, combined with a key partnership from Marnus Labuschagne and Pat Cummins, helped Australia secure a strong lead against India on Day 4 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).  

At the close of play, Australia stood at 228/9, leading India by 333 runs. Lyon remained unbeaten on 42, with Scott Boland supporting him on 10 as the last-wicket pair frustrated the Indian bowlers.  

Earlier in the day, India resumed their first innings at 358/9, still trailing Australia by 116 runs. However, their innings ended quickly as Nathan Lyon dismissed centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy in just the fourth over. Reddy top-scored for India with a remarkable 114 off 189 balls, including 11 fours and a six.  

Australia began their second innings with a 105-run lead but faced early trouble when debutant Sam Konstas was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah for just eight runs.  

Marnus Labuschagne then steadied the innings with a crucial 37-run stand alongside Steve Smith. Smith, however, fell for 13, triggering a middle-order collapse that left Australia struggling at 91/6.  

Labuschagne, showing great composure, added 57 runs for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins. Labuschagne scored a vital 70 off 139 balls before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj.  

Cummins continued to fight, scoring 41 runs and forming small but important partnerships with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him.  

With Australia at 173/9, Lyon and Boland combined for an outstanding 55-run partnership for the last wicket. Their efforts extended Australia’s lead and left India with a daunting task heading into the final day.  

For India, Bumrah shone with four wickets, while Siraj claimed three, and Jadeja took one.  

With one wicket in hand and a significant lead, Australia are in a commanding position to push for victory in this crucial Test.