In a high-stakes moment during the fourth Test between Australia and India, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a forgettable day in the field, dropping three catches on Day 4, much to the visible frustration of skipper Rohit Sharma. The missed opportunities came at crucial junctures, providing Australia with lifelines in their bid to solidify a second-innings lead.
The most critical drop occurred during the second session when Jaiswal failed to hold onto a straightforward chance off Akash Deep’s delivery. Positioned at gully, Jaiswal’s hard-handed attempt allowed Marnus Labuschagne, batting on 46, to continue his innings. Rohit Sharma, standing in the slip cordon, was visibly exasperated, punching the air in frustration. At that moment, India were in a dominant position with Australia reeling at 99 for 6. Labuschagne capitalized on the drop, reaching his third half-century of the series and extending Australia’s lead beyond 200.
Jaiswal’s woes began earlier in the day when he missed a tough opportunity to dismiss Usman Khawaja in the third over of the innings. Positioned at leg gully, Jaiswal was slow to react to Khawaja’s flick, allowing the batter, then on 2, to escape. Khawaja added 19 runs before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. The young fielder’s misfortune continued when he dropped a sharp chance at silly point off Pat Cummins’ bat just before Tea. Cummins, batting on 20, joined forces with Labuschagne in an unbeaten 44-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Bumrah Shines Despite Fielding Lapses
While India’s fielding faltered, the bowling unit stepped up, led by Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer delivered a fiery spell, dismantling Australia’s middle order and leaving them in tatters. Bumrah’s incisive bowling saw him dismiss Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession, reducing Australia from 80 for 2 to 91 for 6. Mohammed Siraj also played a crucial role, dismissing Steve Smith with a cleverly placed delivery, forcing the batter into an edge that Rishabh Pant claimed behind the stumps.
Australia’s innings began shakily, with Bumrah and Siraj striking early to remove Sam Konstas and Khawaja. However, a partnership between Smith and Labuschagne steadied the ship briefly before India’s bowlers triggered a collapse. Despite the dropped chances, Labuschagne’s resilience and the lower-order contributions from Cummins kept Australia in the game.
India’s Position Heading into Day 5
With Australia pushing their lead and India grappling with missed opportunities, the stage is set for an intense final day. The Indian bowling attack remains their strongest weapon, but the fielders will need to regroup and support their bowlers effectively. Yashasvi Jaiswal, though under pressure, will look to make amends, as every run saved or chance taken could prove decisive in a match that has swung back and forth.
As the Boxing Day Test approaches its climax, the stakes are higher than ever for both teams, with the series hanging in balance.