MELBOURNE: Australia stunned India with a remarkable final-session performance in the fourth Test, winning by 184 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The Indian team, which was cruising towards a draw, collapsed spectacularly, losing seven wickets for just 34 runs.
The turning point came after Tea when Rishabh Pant fell to a rash shot, pulling a half-tracker from part-timer Travis Head straight to Mitchell Marsh at long-on.
Pant’s poor shot selection derailed India’s progress and sparked a flurry of wickets for Australia.
In the next 27 deliveries, India lost three more key wickets, starting with Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal to a rising delivery from Scott Boland, which he edged behind.
Nathan Lyon added to India’s woes, removing first-innings centurion Nitish Reddy, who was caught by Steve Smith at first slip for just one run.
India’s score plummeted from 121/3 to 130/6, giving Australia a renewed sense of belief.
With India teetering on the brink, Washington Sundar arrived at the crease, surrounded by five close-in fielders.
Sam Konstas, in particular, sought to disrupt the Indian duo of Sundar and Jaiswal from silly point, constantly engaging in chatter.
Pat Cummins made his presence felt, returning to the attack and making a significant breakthrough when he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The India opener was caught behind after a failed pull shot against a short delivery, with the third umpire overturning the on-field decision after a slight deviation was detected in the ball’s path.
Akash Deep lasted just 16 balls before nicking a delivery from Boland to Mitchell Marsh at forward short leg, leaving India seven wickets down.
The collapse continued as Australia applied pressure, with every fielder crowding the bat in search of the two remaining wickets.
India’s struggles began early on the fifth day, with Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli all dismissed to the new ball.
Rohit’s flick off Cummins was caught in the gully, Rahul was undone by an exceptional delivery from Cummins and Kohli chased an unnecessary wide ball, edging it before Lunch.
The middle session offered a brief flicker of hope for India, thanks to a defiant partnership between Pant and Jaiswal.
However, the final stages of the match saw Australia tightening their grip.
Boland dismissed Jasprit Bumrah for a nick to Smith at first slip, while Lyon sealed the victory by trapping Mohammed Siraj leg before.