Cameron Green was dismissed in a rather unfortunate manner (cricket.com.au)
The fourth day of the ongoing WTC final at The Oval in London witnessed yet another remarkable session dominated by the Australian team. Resuming the day at 196/4, the Aussies managed to extend their lead by a substantial 78 runs while losing a mere two wickets in the morning session.
With a massive lead of 374 runs and Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc going strong, the Aussies are set on extending their advantage and pushing the game beyond India's reach.
Talking Points
Umesh Yadav makes early breakthrough
India started the day on a positive note as Umesh Yadav struck early in just the third over. Marnus Labuschagne, who had been holding the Australian innings together, fell prey to Yadav's delivery. The right-arm pacer produced a well-directed good-length ball that skillfully deviated off the pitch, catching Labuschagne off-guard in his defensive attempt. The resulting outside edge was promptly snatched by Cheteshwar Pujara at the first slip.
Alex Carey and Cameron Green provide steadfast resistance
Following Labuschagne's dismissal, the duo of Cameron Green and Alex Carey admirably held their ground at the crease. The pair exhibited exemplary shot selection, treating good deliveries with caution while punishing any loose balls that came their way. Despite the accuracy and precision displayed by the Indian bowlers, Green and Carey managed to deny them any breakthroughs, stitching a 43-run partnership.
Ravindra Jadeja's persistence pays off
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued his persistent tactic of targeting Green by consistently bowling just outside the leg stump. His determination and perseverance paid off when the ball brushed off Green's gloves and ricocheted onto the stumps, resulting in an unfortunate dismissal for the Australian batsman for 25.
Carey and Starc propel Australia’s score
With the fall of Green's wicket, Mitchell Starc joined forces with Carey. The duo wasted no time in adding valuable runs to Australia's already substantial lead. Their aggressive stroke play allowed them to accumulate a quickfire 34-run partnership off a mere 42 deliveries before the umpires called for Lunch on Day 4
Expectations
As the game progresses, the Indian bowlers face the arduous task of taking the remaining four Australian wickets as swiftly as possible. With the Australian lead surpassing the 370-run mark, the Aussies have firmly established their dominance and are now within the grasp of the coveted WTC trophy.
In order to turn the tide, Rohit Sharma's men must wrap up the Australian innings expeditiously and then display extraordinary determination in their batting to chase the colossal target set by their Australian counterparts.
Brief Scores
India (1st innings): 296-10 (69.4)
Ajinkya Rahane 89 (129), Shardul Thakur 51 (109);
Pat Cummins 3-83 (20), Cameron Green 2-44 (12)
Australia (2nd innings): 201-6 (70)
Alex Carey 41* (61) Marnus Labuschagne 41 (126)
Ravindra Jadeja 3-45 (18), Umesh Yadav 2-32 (12)
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