Australia Claims 2-1 Series Lead After India’s Late Collapse in Third Test

The final day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 31, 2024, unfolded as a captivating cricketing drama, culminating in a resounding Australian victory that etched itself into the annals of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A record-breaking crowd witnessed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes, as Australia, after a dispiriting loss in the opening Test at Perth, roared back to seize a 2-1 lead in the series. The dramatic final session saw the home side capture seven Indian wickets, shattering India’s hopes of salvaging a draw and igniting euphoric celebrations among the Australian players and fans.

The match, poised on a knife-edge at the start of the final day, swung decisively in Australia’s favor as their bowlers, spearheaded by the relentless Pat Cummins and hometown hero Scott Boland, dismantled the Indian batting line-up. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had anchored the Indian innings with a gritty 84, epitomized the visitors’ resilience, facing down the Australian attack for 208 balls before finally succumbing to Cummins’ persistent probing. Jaiswal’s valiant effort, though ultimately in vain, underscored the intensity and high stakes of the contest, a testament to the battling spirit displayed by both teams throughout the match.

Scott Boland, playing on his home turf, proved to be a decisive factor in Australia’s triumph. His three crucial wickets in the second innings, complementing his earlier three-wicket haul in the first, showcased his ability to exploit the conditions and apply relentless pressure on the Indian batsmen. Boland’s contribution, alongside Cummins’ determined leadership and incisive bowling, formed the cornerstone of Australia’s bowling performance, transforming a seemingly improbable victory into a tangible reality.

The denouement arrived with Nathan Lyon’s dismissal of Mohammed Siraj, trapping him leg-before-wicket. The fall of the final wicket triggered an eruption of joy amongst the Australian players, releasing the pent-up tension and pressure of the final day’s play. The 184-run margin of victory, while substantial on paper, failed to fully capture the nail-biting tension, the ebb and flow of momentum, and the sheer drama that unfolded throughout the five days of gripping Test cricket. It was a victory forged in the crucible of intense competition, a testament to Australia’s resilience and their ability to seize the crucial moments.

The match also served as a reminder of the enduring allure of Test cricket. The record crowd at the MCG, captivated by the unfolding drama, bore witness to a classic contest between two of the world’s cricketing powerhouses. The pendulum swung back and forth, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between Australia and India. The match will be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for the individual performances that punctuated the contest.

From Steve Smith’s commanding 140 in the first innings to Marnus Labuschagne’s twin half-centuries, Australia’s batting provided a solid foundation for their bowlers to build upon. India, too, had their moments of brilliance, with Hanuma Vihari’s century in the first innings and Jaiswal’s resilient knock in the second. However, it was Australia’s collective bowling effort, their ability to maintain pressure, and their unwavering belief in themselves that ultimately tilted the scales in their favor. The victory, resonating far beyond the confines of the MCG, injected renewed vigor into the Australian team and set the stage for a compelling finale to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.