NEW DELHI: Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah produced a magnificent five-wicket haul to bowl Australia out for 234, leaving India with a challenging 340-run target on the final day of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
With one wicket remaining to wrap up Australia’s innings, Bumrah delivered the final blow, dismissing Nathan Lyon for 41.
Lyon’s departure, bowled out by Bumrah, ended a resilient 61-run last-wicket stand.
Bumrah, after skittling Lyon’s stumps, stood in the middle, delivering an intense death stare as Lyon walked off the field.
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Bumrah’s dominance at the MCG further cements his status as one of Test cricket’s premier fast bowlers. Across Boxing Day Tests at this iconic venue, he has claimed 24 wickets at an exceptional average of 14.66, accompanied by an economy rate of just 2.68.
In 2024, Bumrah has been outstanding, playing 13 matches and claiming 71 wickets at an average of 14.92 and a strike rate of 30.1, along with an impressive economy rate of 2.96.
These statistics rank among the best in history, as Bumrah holds the third-best average and second-best strike rate among bowlers who have taken 50 or more wickets in a calendar year.
With the series locked at 1-1, India secured a commanding 295-run victory in Perth, while Australia responded with a dominant 10-wicket win in Adelaide.
The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, setting up a thrilling contest in Melbourne.
