India’s defeat in the 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has raised significant concerns about their performance.
The match concluded with Australia winning by 184 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Here are three reasons why India lost the 4th Test match at MCG.
1. Top Order Collapse
One of the most glaring issues for India was the failure of their top order to perform under pressure.
The experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli struggled significantly throughout the match. In their second innings, they managed scores of just 9, 0, and 5, respectively, which set a negative tone for the chase of a challenging target of 340 runs.
This collapse left India reeling at 33/3, making it exceedingly difficult for the middle order to stabilize the innings.
While young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showed promise with a resilient 84 runs, he lacked adequate support from his senior teammates, highlighting a critical weakness in India’s batting lineup that must be addressed moving forward.
2. Missed Opportunities in the Field
Fielding lapses proved costly for India, particularly during Australia’s second innings when they allowed crucial runs to accumulate.
Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch off Marnus Labuschagne, which could have potentially changed the course of the game.
This error contributed to Australia extending their lead significantly, as Labuschagne went on to score vital runs.
Additionally, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland’s last-wicket partnership added an unexpected 55 runs, pushing Australia’s lead to a daunting 333 runs.
Such missed chances not only allowed Australia to score more but also demoralized the Indian side as they failed to capitalize on opportunities that could have turned the tide in their favor.
3. Inability to Handle Pressure
The mental aspect of chasing a substantial target in Test cricket cannot be understated. India’s batting lineup appeared to crumble under pressure as wickets fell rapidly during their second innings.
The mounting pressure led to poor shot selection and hasty dismissals, particularly among seasoned players who should have been guiding the team through tough phases.
The psychological burden of needing to chase down a significant total against a formidable Australian bowling attack was evident, leading to an overall lack of composure and strategy at crucial moments in the match.
