Australia vs India: Lyon and Boland shine after Bumrah brilliance

Crucial lower-order runs kept Australia on top during a thrilling fourth day of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne.

With a lead of 105 in the first innings, Australia eventually reached 228-9, having been 91-6 in the afternoon, with another excellent performance from the irresistible Jasprit Bumrah, taking 4-56.

He bowled debutant Sam Konstas for eight and took three more wickets in a middle-order collapse that saw four wickets fall in 21 balls as India climbed back into the contest.

But Marnus Labuschagne grabbed the crucial 70 points to take his tally to 57, along with captain Pat Cummins who scored 41 points.

Both men were felled by Yashasvi Jaiswal – Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins on 21 – in two of India’s four dropped catches, three of them by Jaiswal.

Nathan Lyon was also left on five and frustrated India in an unbroken last-wicket partnership of 55 with Scott Boland that saw Australia finish with a lead of 333 runs.

The drama continued right to the end as Bumrah caught Lyon for 33 in the final over but Australia’s number 10 was relieved by a no-ball.

The game between Lyon and Boland gave Australia the lead, but the hosts’ decision to resist the temptation of a late decision has increased the chances of a draw.

India still have hope of a successful run on a final day when a win for either side would give them the lead in a fascinating five-Test series with the score tied at 1-1.