Kohli and Rahane Resilient as India Counters Australia's Dominance
IND 296 & 164/3 (40) CRR: 4.1
Day 4: Stumps – India need 280 runs
It was yet another captivating day of Test cricket, as the final match neared its conclusion. With only one day remaining, the equation was clear – Australia needed 7 wickets to secure victory, while India required 280 runs to claim the win. The Australian batsmen adopted a cautious approach during the morning session, managing to score only 78 runs while losing two wickets in the process. However, they shifted gears after lunch and displayed a more aggressive batting display. Carey and Starc formed a crucial partnership, adding 93 runs for the seventh wicket. This allowed Cummins to declare the innings with one and a half sessions remaining in the Test.
In pursuit of a challenging target, the Indian openers began their innings with a sense of urgency. However, their momentum was interrupted when Green took a sensational catch at gully, dismissing one of the openers just before the tea break. Nevertheless, India continued to accumulate runs steadily in the final session, as Rohit and Pujara displayed their batting prowess. Unfortunately, the Indian captain fell victim to Lyon in the latter’s first over, while attempting a sweep shot. Pujara, in an uncharacteristic manner, also perished in the very next over due to a rash shot. This turn of events boosted Australia’s confidence, but Kohli and Rahane came to the crease and prevented any further setbacks. The duo showcased fluent batting skills, forming a resilient partnership of 71 runs.
In a thrilling display of cricket, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane showcased their batting prowess to counter Australia’s charge in the World Test Championship title clash. Despite facing a daunting target, Kohli remained unbeaten on 44, while Rahane contributed 20 runs, leading India’s fearless assault.
By the end of the day’s play, India had managed to bring down the mammoth chase to 280 runs, instilling belief in their ability to achieve a victory that could rival their famous triumph over Australia at home, where Rahane took charge as captain. The atmosphere at The Oval was electric, with fans expressing their support for India’s monumental endeavor, even if the game’s historical records appeared to be in jeopardy.
After the loss of two crucial wickets in quick succession during the final session, the partnership between the experienced duo became pivotal in determining the outcome of this captivating WTC Final. Their fourth-wicket stand has already yielded 71 runs from 116 deliveries, adding further excitement to an already enthralling contest.
India embarked on their pursuit of 444 runs, aware of the formidable challenge that lay ahead. They needed to defy expectations and rewrite history to snatch a victory from Australia’s grasp. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at The Oval stands at 429, achieved by India in 1979 when they gallantly pursued a target of 438 against England, falling just short as time ran out, resulting in a commendable draw.
Australia had seemingly established an impregnable position, courtesy of an unbeaten 66 by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. His partnership of 93 runs with Mitchell Starc for the seventh wicket propelled Australia to 8-270 before the declaration arrived in the middle of the fourth day.
However, from that point onward, Australia’s control over the game began to wane. Whether it was the sweltering 28°C heat that intensified throughout the day, the roller that compressed the widening cracks on the pitch during the innings break, or Australia’s ineffective use of the new ball – or, more realistically, a combination of these factors – batting suddenly became less challenging.
The unpredictable bounce and frequent body blows that characterized the first three innings, dominated by the fast bowlers, dissipated during the balmy afternoon. India’s openers swiftly transitioned into an aggressive mode, reminiscent of limited-overs cricket.
Rohit Sharma, as he did in the first innings, set the tone by dispatching the second ball he faced to the backward square leg boundary. His partner, Shubman Gill, joined the onslaught as India maintained a run rate of nearly five runs per over.
Expecting the new ball to generate sharp movement off the pitch, as seen in previous days, Australia’s bowlers found themselves powerless as the Indian batsmen stood tall and confidently struck back-of-length deliveries through the point region or elegantly clipped them off their legs
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