Can lightning strike twice? India, the team that breached Australia’s fortress at the Gabba in 2021, are now facing another Herculean chase at the MCG. But as Marnus Labuschagne points out, the past is a different country, and the pitch conditions are worlds apart. The stakes are high for India Cricket Team as a loss could dent their hopes of reaching the WTC Final 2025. But on the other hand, India have done so in the past and can they repeat their heroics?
Marnus Labuschagne, who played a crucial role for Australia with a well-constructed 70 in the first innings, emphasised the stark differences between the Gabba conditions in 2021 and the current MCG pitch. He pointed out that the Brisbane Test required Australia to take risks to push for a win, which shaped their strategy differently.
“The Gabba wicket was flat. There was a little bit of bounce there as you do get in Brisbane, but it was a nice wicket,” Labuschagne said at the post-match press conference.
The MCG chase: A new challenge for India
India now face the daunting task of chasing a sizable total on a deteriorating MCG wicket. With Australia ending Day 4 at 228/9 and holding a 333-run lead, the game is delicately poised. Tailenders Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrated the Indian bowlers in the final session with an unbeaten 51-run partnership, pushing the lead further. Jasprit Bumrah had a chance to bowl Australia out but even after stepping up, he overstepped to keep Nathan Lyon on the crease.
Labuschagne highlighted the significance of this lower-order resistance, noting that their contribution turned what could have been a modest target of 250-270 into a more formidable total. He commended their effort, saying, “The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed the last part.”
Highest successful chase at MCG
For India to win the Melbourne Test, Rohit Sharma & Co must erase a 96-year-old record. England chased down 322 back in 1928. However, in the modern era, only Australia have chased down 230. Hence, Team India must create a new record in Melbourne to have a chance and keep WTC Final 2025 hopes alive.
| Team | Score | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 231/2 | England | 2013 |
| South Africa | 183/1 | Australia | 2008 |
| Australia | 127/1 | Pakistan | 2004 |
| Australia | 107/5 | England | 2002 |
| Australia | 97/1 | India | 2003 |
| India | 70/2 | Australia | 2020 |
| Australia | 10/1 | South Africa | 2001 |
Can India Replicate Their 2021 Heroics?
The stage is set for a thrilling finale at the MCG. While Labuschagne’s comments suggest Australia is confident of defending their lead, the Indian team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure remain formidable. With key players from the 2021 triumph still part of the squad, India will aim to channel their experience and pull off another historic chase.
The outcome of Day 5 could determine not just the fate of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also the momentum heading into the ICC World Test Championship Final. Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see if India can replicate their Gabba magic or if Australia will assert dominance on home soil.
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