The ongoing Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is proving to be an exhilarating contest. As the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches its conclusion, both teams find themselves with a viable opportunity to secure victory as they head into Day 5. On Day 4, Nitish Kumar Reddy resumed his innings at 105*, but could only add nine runs before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. Reddy concluded his innings with a total of 114 runs off 189 deliveries, contributing to India's score of 369 in response to Australia's first innings total of 474, leaving India trailing by 105 runs.

In their second innings, the visitors made a strong start by dismissing debutant Sam Konstas early on. The 19-year-old opener, who scored a half-century in the first innings, managed only eight runs from 18 balls before being out to Jasprit Bumrah. His opening partner, Usman Khawaja, also failed to capitalize on his previous innings' half-century, scoring just 21 runs off 65 balls. Steve Smith, who recorded his second century of the series in the first innings, was dismissed for 13 runs off 41 balls. Marnus Labuschagne, however, continued to contribute effectively, building on his previous half-century with a score of 70 runs off 139 balls. Mohammed Siraj accounted for the dismissals of Khawaja, Smith, and Labuschagne.

Bumrah made further inroads by claiming the crucial wickets of Travis Head (1), Mitchell Marsh (0), and Alex Carey (2). On Day 4, Bumrah became the fastest Indian fast bowler to achieve the milestone of 200 Test wickets. At Stumps, Australia held a lead of 333 runs, finishing the day at 228/9, with Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) remaining at the crease.

Top-ten highest successful run-chases at the MCG

As we approach Day 5, it is pertinent to review the highest successful run chases recorded at the MCG in international cricket. England holds the record for the highest successful run chase at this venue, having successfully chased down 332 runs in 1928.

Here is the list-

1. England reach 332/7 in their run-chase of 332 runs (December 29, 1928)
2. England reach 298/4 in their chase of 297 runs (March 1, 1895)
3. South Africa reach 297/4 in their chase of 295 runs (February 6, 1953)
4. Australia reach 287/5 in their chase of 286 runs (March 8, 1929)
5. England reach 282/9 in their chase of 282 (January 1, 1908)
6. Australia reach 260/9 in their chase of 260 runs (December 31, 1951)
7. Australia reach 258/8 in their chase of 258 (February 10, 1961)
8. England reach 237/3 in their chase of 234 (December 29, 1962)
9. Australia reach 231/2 in their chase of 231 (December 26, 2013)
10. England reach 219/2 in their chase of 219 (December 30, 1911)

As the final day approaches, spectators are left to speculate whether Australia will continue their innings or set India a target of 334 runs to achieve in 96 overs.

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