Fri. Jan 31st, 2025

India vs Australia 4th Test: IND Losses After A Tough Battle

The Indian squad led by Rohit Sharma, suffered the ignominy of losing to Australia at the fourth Test. Having made a valiant effort, the team could not run down a marathon target, with the final scores reading 184 runs difference in losses. It was quite the sight for the India team as they batted a dismal 155, sealing their fate early in their struggle to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC).

India’s Performance in the 2024 Test Year

India’s strides in Test cricket through 2024 were like a roller coaster. The team had taken part in 15 Tests – winning 8, losing 6 and drawing 1. Australia was able to beat it in the fourth Test down under, again putting the question on India’s chances for WTC qualification, particularly with the fifth Test of the series coming up as a deciding clash.

Important Performances in the Match

Although India struggled, there were lonely patches of brilliance, especially from Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 22-year-old Indian opener played a remarkable knock in the first innings, scoring 84 runs, which was the feature of the fight back. This is not the end of his 2024 performances as he finishes with the second-most runs in Tests this year, adding to the incredible year with the bat for young Jaiswal.

Statistics from the Match:

Batsman	Runs	Balls	Fours
Yashasvi Jaiswal	84	142	11
Rishabh Pant	30	56	4
Washington Sundar	17	33	2

Pat Cummins has been very effective behind the captaincy towards the winning of Australia. The leadership he provides and his focus on the field made a significant contribution to the Australian team’s triumphs. Cummins’ way of decision-making along with an apt view of the bowling attack broke down India’s batting lineup. His bowlers especially Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland caught the assistance from the pitch and left the Indians under pressure all time.

Aussies Performance:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Pat Cummins	17.3	5	49	2
Nathan Lyon	20	7	60	4
Scott Boland	16	3	53	1

India’s Struggle to Chase Down the Target

Australia set India a target of 240 in their final innings after India was bowled out for 155 in their first innings. The Indian batting lineup couldn’t cope with the spin and pace attack from Lyon, Starc, and Boland. In the final innings, India’s chase was derailed when they were reduced to 154/9, leaving them with no chance of salvaging a win.

Bumrah also could not do anything much with the bat, as the lower order collapsed under pressure. It was the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal that stirred quite a controversy, with many questioning the decision after there was not much edge on the Snicko meter. In itself, a further disarray for India, Jaiswal was controversially out for 84 runs.

WTC Qualification Scenario

India’s defeat in Melbourne has complicated their chances of qualifying for the 2024/25 World Test Championship (WTC) final. With South Africa now through to the final, India must secure a win in the final Test of the tournament to stay in contention for a spot in the WTC final.

WTC Points Table After 4th Test (IND vs AUS):

Rank	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Percentage
1	South Africa	11	7	1	3	66.67%
2	Australia	16	10	2	4	61.46%
3	India	18	9	2	7	52.78%

The qualification for India would depend virtually on the fifth Test match. If that is won, the Indians can hope still, if not, then they would just go home without figuring at the final.

Conclusion: A Tough Loss, But Hope Still Exists

It was a hard fallout for India when it lost to Australia in the 4th Test in Melbourne, but the team still has a way to reach the WTC final. The defeat showed some areas in which India needs improvement, particularly in handling pressure and performing in difficult conditions. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance was a bright spark, and his advancement in 2024 is shaping up to be one of India’s corners.

Pat Cummins and the Australian team deserve credit for their splendid individual contributions down the chain and that of Lyon’s superb spin bowling and Boland’s disciplined pace-bowling, as they dismantled India in their own backyard. Now, India rejuvenates itself to go out in the final Test and bounce back since its WTC qualification will rely on luck along with good performance.

India must re-group and prepare for their final Test, hoping that they shall learn from their mistakes and give it everything to secure a place in the WTC final.