IND vs AUS 4th Test: India lose Boxing Day Test for first time in 12 years, trail 2-1 in BGT series

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IND vs AUS 4th Test: India's 12-year undefeated streak in Boxing Day Tests came to a grinding halt as Australia claimed a commanding 184-run victory in Melbourne, taking a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Chasing 340 on Day 5, the visitors crumbled under pressure, managing just 155 in their second innings. The dramatic batting collapse exposed India's frailties against a disciplined Australian bowling unit, leaving their hopes of regaining the series hanging by a thread.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was the lone warrior for India, scoring 84 in an innings laced with grit and flair. However, his controversial dismissal via DRS -- where Snicko showed no spike -- triggered a heated debate. Earlier, Rishabh Pant's rash pull shot marked the turning point, exposing India's fragile middle order.

Veterans Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli faltered early, putting immense pressure on the middle order. Despite a promising partnership between Jaiswal and Pant, the duo's dismissals in quick succession shattered India's hopes of salvaging the match. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja offered no resistance, with the tail failing to wag under pressure.

For Australia, Nathan Lyon was the pick of the bowlers with four crucial wickets, including those of Reddy and Jadeja. Pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland chipped in with vital breakthroughs, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the innings.

The final session saw Australia's tactical brilliance in full display. With seven fielders crowding the bat, Washington Sundar and the lower order struggled to hold their ground. Scott Boland's precision led to the dismissals of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, while Lyon wrapped up the innings with Mohammed Siraj's wicket.

India's defeat underlined a lack of composure in high-pressure situations. Controversies around DRS decisions added fuel to the fire, with Jaiswal and Akash Deep falling victim to questionable calls. These moments, coupled with poor shot selection, left the team reeling.

Australia now lead the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 in the five-match series. Pat Cummins and his men will look to seal the series, while India must regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive. For Jaiswal, the match marked another missed opportunity for a maiden Test century, but his resilience remains a silver lining in an otherwise dismal display.

The Melbourne Test serves as a harsh lesson for India, emphasizing the need for application and adaptability in challenging conditions. With two matches to go, the visitors have little room for error as the series shifts momentum firmly in Australia's favour.