WTC Final, Day 4: India show fight in 444-run chase
India have shown fight on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship final at the Kennington Oval on Saturday. After being set a target of 444, India ended Day 4 at 164/3 in 40 overs. India were going along nicely at 92/1 before losing two set batters. However, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane made sure India didn't lose more wickets.
Here's the summary of Day 4
Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne early on in the innings, as Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc added a 93-run partnership, taking Australia to the 260-run mark. They declared at 270/8, handing a 444-run target to India. Ravindra Jadeja finished with 3/58. In reply, India are placed at 164/3 with Kohli and Rahane looking in fine touch. They need 280 runs to win.
Carey shines with his maiden Test fifty against India
Carey played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 66 as he allowed Australia to take the lead over 400 runs. The Aussies ultimately declared at 270/8, setting a target of 444 for India. Carey played with a positive approach and slammed eight boundaries. This innings comes after he scored 48 runs in the first innings. He added a crucial 93-run stand with Starc.
Second-highest seventh-wicket partnership for Australia at The Oval
Carey and Starc's crucial 93-run partnership is now the second-highest seventh-wicket partnership for Australia at The Oval. Herbie Collins and Jack Gregory hold the top spot for adding 107 runs against England in 1926. It is also the highest seventh-wicket partnership for Australia since 2020.
Jadeja and Umesh show character; Siraj disappoints
India had a brilliant start to Day 4 as Umesh Yadav dismissed Labuschagne early on. Later, Jadeja spun his web around the Australian batters, finishing with three crucial wickets. He removed Steve Smith and Travis Head on Day 3 before dismissing Cameron Green today. Mohammed Shami dismissed Starc and Pat Cummins. However, Mohammed Siraj erred with his offerings and was spanked for runs.
Controversies around Gill's dismissal
Gill once again fell to Scott Boland as Green completed the catch at slip. However, there were some doubts regarding the legitimacy of the catch. The replays showed that some portion of the ball may have touched the grass. Indian fans were infuriated with the third umpire's decision as Gill walked back to the pavilion. He was dismissed for 18.
India lose two quick wickets
India were off to a blazing start as the openers, Rohit Sharma and Gill added 41 runs together. After Gill's dismissal, Rohit and Cheteswar Pujara stitched a 51-run stand. But Rohit was trapped in front of the wickets after he attempted a wayward sweep against Lyon. Next over, Pujara knocked one straight to Carey, as India lost two in the space of five balls.
Cummins completes 50 Test wickets against India
Cummins completed 50 Test wickets against India by dismissing Pujara. He became the sixth Australian bowler to complete the milestone and third among active Australians. Nathan Lyon (118), Brett Lee (53), Richie Benaud (52), Glenn McGrath (51), and Josh Hazlewood (51) are the Australians who have already achieved this feat against India in Test cricket. Cummins has scalped nine wickets at The Oval.
Kohli and Rahane add 71 runs together
Kohli and Rahane have looked very solid adding 71* runs from only 118 deliveries. The duo will be key to India's success as they chase a mammoth 444 on the final day of the WTC Final. India still need another 280 runs to win the match. Kohli has shown great intent while Rahane has held one end up, displaying patience and resilience.
