Live Scores

cricket Live Scores & Fixtures

Most fifers in ODI cricket

Destructing half of the opposition batting lineup is a massive responsibility. Let's look at the bowlers with the most fifers in ODI cricket.

Nov 19, 2021, 10:34 AM3 min read

Most fifers in ODI cricket

Picking up a fifer seems fascinating but achieving it is a hard task. With lots of dedication, hard work, and consistency, a bowler can reach this landmark. Destructing half of the opposition batting lineup and shifting the game to his/her favor is a massive responsibility. Let's have a look at those legendary bowlers with the most fifers in ODI cricket.

1. Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis: Most fifers in ODI cricket | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

Waqar Younis' name always comes to mind every time someone discusses hitting the base of leg stump with a late swing. He is one of the most successful bowlers to play the sport and he was popular for his bowling technique. With 13 fifers, he became the cricketer with the most fifers in ODI cricket. Also, he had an impressive cricketing career with 416 wickets including 14 four-wicket hauls. He played his best innings against England with his best figure 7/36.

Read also: Cricket facts: 6 Players to have scored 50s for two different countries

2. Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan: Most fifers in ODI cricket | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

Next on this list is Muttiah Muralitharan with 10 ODI fifers. He is not only the record holder of the second-most 50 in ODI but also the highest wicket-taker with 534 wickets. During his ODI career, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer scalped 15 four-wicket hauls as well. One of his most exciting performances was against India in 2000 when he picked up a 7 wicket haul and gave only 30 runs.

Read also: IPL 2022: KKR will have to pay at least 6 cr instead of 4cr (as an uncapped player) for Venkatesh Iyer if they retain him

3. Brett Lee

Brett Lee: Most fifers in ODI cricket | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

Read also: Hat-tricks in T20 World Cup history

The Australian legend Brett Lee sits on the third position of this prestigious list of most fifers in ODI cricket. He picked up 9 five-wicket hauls in his ODI career. He took 4 of these fifers against India and at the time when India was one of the strongest batting teams. Also, he scalped 14 four-wicket hauls with a great average of 23.

4. Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi: Most fifers in ODI cricket | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Getty Images

The next Pakistani cricketer on this list is Shahid Afridi with 9 fifers. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest destructive cricketers in cricket history. The all-rounder showed his most impressive performance against West Indies for figure 7/12 in his comeback game.

5. Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga: The highest wicket-taker in IPL | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Sportskeeda

Lasith Malinga scalped 8 fifers during his ODI career. The veteran Sri Lankan bowler has been immensely successful in the sport and made tons of records in his name. He is world-famous for his deadly death overs. With his unconventional bowling skills, he featured in 226 ODI matches and picked up a total of 338 wickets. He registered his best bowling figures of 6/38 against Kenya in the 2011 world cup. The most important fact to not forget is that he contributed hugely to taking the team to the final against India.

Read also: Men's T20 World Cup 2022: Australia confirms host cities

6. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc: The Australian left-arm fast bowler | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- Circle of Cricket

The last but not the least cricketer on this list is none other than Mitchell Starc. One of the most capable bowlers of Australia played his ODI career's best innings of 6/28 against New Zealand in the 2015 World Cup. Starc was phenomenal in the entire World Cup tournament and also was awarded the player of the tournament with 22 wickets.

Next Article

Most Wickets in IPL history

Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind. So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.

Mar 12, 2025, 2:45 PM7 min read

Most Wickets in IPL history

We have all heard multiple times that T20 cricket is a batter’s game. However, one thing is to be noted that it is a bowler who turns the game for his team most times. The teams across the world have understood the fact that they need a good set of bowlers to win a tournament. This is true in the biggest T20 tournament IPL as well.

Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind.

So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Squads of every IPL team after the auction

Top 10 bowlers with most wickets in IPL history:

10. Ravindra Jadeja | 160* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Ravindra Jadeja is easily the most well-rounded cricketer India has ever produced. A major portion of his success needs to be credited to the IPL, as the Saurashtra superstar built his international career by learning in the IPL under cricketing greats like Shane Warne, MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and others. 

Apart from missing the 2010 season, Ravindra Jadeja has played all the other seasons with him representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2012. He has played 240 games taking 160 wickets with the ball with an average of 30.40 and an economy rate of 7.62.

His generational fielding skills have also shined, as the 36-year-old has taken 103 catches in the competition, making him ‘The Ultimate All-rounder’ as he is the only player to have 1000+ runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches, fulfilling his 3-dimensional abilities to the fullest. 

9. Jasprit Bumrah | 165* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Jasprit Bumrah, the game-changer of the game has put his name at no. 9 on this list of bowlers who scalped the most wickets in IPL history. Bumrah has been playing for Mumbai Indians since the 2013 season, in which the franchise bought him at a cheap price.

Bumrah has scalped 165 wickets in 133 games with an average of 22.51. Meanwhile, Bumrah has bowled at an economy rate of 7.30 in the franchise cricket league. This year he will be playing for MI again as the franchise retained him before the mega auction.

8. Lasith Malinga | 170 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Lasith Malinga, who is undoubtedly the greatest pacer in the IPL history has taken 170 wickets in 122 games he has played. Malinga averages 19.79 with the bowl and maintained an economy rate of 7.14 in the cash-rich league. 

Though 108 of these wickets have come in death overs where batters try to score at a faster pace and often get out in the process, still his overall numbers are too good to be questioned.

Malinga started playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2009 season, and last appeared in the 2019 season. His final over in the 2019 final was enough to prove his greatness even at that stage of his career.

7. Amit Mishra | 174 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

The next bowler on the list is Indian leggie Amit Mishra who has picked 174 wickets in 162 games. The seventh-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, Mishra, went unsold in the mega auction of IPL 2025. 

He has recorded an impressive economy of 7.37 in the league and has been crucial in taking wickets in middle overs. However, previously he has played for Lucknow Super Giants.

6. Ravichandran Ashwin | 180* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Ravichandran Ashwin is always known as a great bowler in Test cricket but he has also proved his ability in the shortest format of the game. Meanwhile, Ash comes at number six on this list of bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history. 

Ashwin also has picked 180 wickets in 212 matches with an average of 29.82. He has also maintained an economy rate of 7.12. 

Ashwin went on to play for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, and returns to the CSK fold after having featured for Rajasthan Royals for the last three seasons.

The Indian off-spinner was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Ashwin had burst onto the scene in 2009 with CSK under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. He represented Super Kings till 2015 and was part of two title-winning campaigns, in 2010 and 2011. 

5. Sunil Narine | 180* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

The next bowler on this is none other than the West Indies magician Sunil Narine. Narine has taken 180 wickets in 176 games with an average of 25.39 and bowls with an economy rate of 6.73. 

He has been a crucial member of the Kolkata-based franchise KKR, as the franchise won the league back in 2012, 2014, and 2024.

Narine has also played as an opener under Gambhir's captaincy. However, currently, he is with the KKR franchise as they retain the off-spinner before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

4. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 181* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 181 wickets is the fourth name in this list of players with the most wickets in IPL. Bhuvi has played in 176 matches in which he took those 181 wickets at an average of 27.23. However, he has bowled with an economy rate of 7.56 in the league. 

Meanwhile, Bhuvi will play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction at a whopping 10.75 crore price.

3. Dwayne Bravo | 183 Wickets 

Most Wickets in IPL history

Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets is the third name on the list. He is the second pacer after Lasith Malinga on the list to take the most wickets in IPL. 

Bravo had been a vital cog in Chennai’s bowling lineup, particularly in the death overs. With MS Dhoni being captain, Bravo’s potential has been used very cleverly for the team’s benefit. 

The all-rounder has played 161 IPL games and averages 23.82 with the ball. 

He played his last IPL match in the 2022 season for Chennai.

2. Piyush Chawla | 192 Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Piyush Chawla, who was bought by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2021 in the mini-auction is the second-highest wicket-taker in the league history. He has picked 192 wickets in 192 matches with an average of 26.60 and an economy being 7.96. 

Piyush Chawla has earlier featured for Chennai, Punjab, and Kolkata-based franchises in the cash-rich league.

Over the last two years, Chawla was the lead spinner for Mumbai Indians. But, no teams went for him in IPL 2025 auction.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 205* Wickets

Most Wickets in IPL history

Yuzvendra Chahal has taken the most wickets in IPL history. Chahal has played in 160 games in which he has scalped 205 wickets with an average of 22.44. Moreover, he has an economy of 7.84 in the league.

Previously Chahal has played for RCB till 2021 and this season he will be featuring the Rajasthan Royals as they bought him in the IPL mega auction.

Chahal was with Rajasthan Royals since the 2022 season, claiming 66 wickets in 46 games. He has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians earlier in the IPL. He is among the 19 bowlers to have claimed a hat-trick in the IPL.

The leg-break bowler also won the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker during the 2022 season, with 27 wickets to his name in 17 games at an average of 19.51 and an economy of 7.75.

Next Article

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy

This tournament was first played in the year 1998 and a total of eight editions have taken place so far in which several bowlers have made their mark with their performances. Let's take a look at the bowlers with most Wickets in Champions Trophy.

Jan 20, 2025, 2:31 PM3 min read

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy will be played in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9. 

This tournament was first played in the year 1998 and a total of eight editions have taken place so far. 

Also Read: Most Runs in Champions Trophy

Now the tournament is finally going to be back after eight years since its last edition in England and Wales in 2017, where the current hosts Pakistan were crowned champions for the first time after defeating arch-rivals India in the final. 

Teams which finished in top eight after the league stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup, including the hosts Pakistan, are divided into two groups of four teams each for the upcoming edition. 

Throughout the years, there have been several bowlers who have made their mark in Champions Trophy with their performances.

Let's take a look at the bowlers with most Wickets in Champions Trophy history.

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy | Top 5 List

#1 Kyle Mills | 28 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former New Zealand bowler Kyle Mills is at number one among the most successful bowlers of the Champions Trophy. 

The right-arm pacer has finished among leading wicket-takers multiple times during his Champions Trophy stint from 2002 to 2013.

The Kiwi pacer has taken 28 wickets in 15 innings at an economy of 4.29 and an average of 17.25 in the history of this tournament. 

His best performance during this period has been 4 wickets for 30 runs.

2# Lasith Malinga | 25 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga is the second-highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy.

The right-arm fast bowler has taken 25 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 5.31 and an average of 30.64 in the Champions Trophy from 2006 to 2017.

During this period, Malinga's best performance has been 4 wickets for 34 runs.

3# Muttiah Muralidaran | 24 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Sri Lanka's great spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is at third place in this list. 

Muralitharan has taken 24 wickets in 17 matches of the Champions Trophy from 1998 to 2009 with an economy of 3.60 and an average of 20.16. 

During this period, his best performance was 4 wickets for 15 runs.

Muralitharan was the leading wicket-taker in the 2002 Champions Trophy, where Sri Lanka shared the trophy with India in a rain-affected final. 

Also Read: ICC Men's Champions trophy winners list

4# Brett Lee | 22 Wickets

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has taken 22 wickets from 16 matches in Champions Trophy from 2000 to 2009 at an economy of 4.79 and an average of 26.86. 

During this period, His best performance has been 3 wickets for 38 runs.

He also played a monumental role in Australia’s back-to-back title campaigns in 2006 and 2009 respectively. 

5# Glenn McGrath | 21 Wickets 

Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Sportzpoint.com

Australia’s fast bowling great, Glenn McGrath is the fifth highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy. 

The right-arm pacer has taken 21 wickets from 12 matches in Champions Trophy from 2000 to 2006 at an economy of 4.03 and an average of 19.61. 

During this period, McGrath's best performance was 5 wickets for 37 runs.

He finished as the highest wicket-taker for Australia in their maiden title campaign in 2006.

Next Article

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25

Bowlers performed brilliantly during the 5 test matches, in which India's Jasprit Bumrah became the highest wicket-taker in the series. In this article, we will take a look at those bowlers who took the most wickets in BGT 2024-25.

Jan 6, 2025, 11:56 AM4 min read

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Australia defeated India by 6 wickets on the third day of the fifth and final Test match played in Sydney. With this victory, the Kangaroo team has now won the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 Series 3-1. Australia has won the Trophy after 10 years. 

Bowlers performed brilliantly during the 5 test matches, in which India's Jasprit Bumrah became the highest wicket-taker in the series. Captain Pat Cummins was the best bowler for Australia throughout the series and contributed at the right time for his team.

Also Read: Most runs in BGT 2024-25

In this article, we will take a look at those bowlers who took the most wickets in BGT 2024-25.

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

1# Jasprit Bumrah | 32 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

India's experienced fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took the most wickets in BGT 2024-25 series. He took the maximum of 32 wickets in nine innings of five Test matches at an average of 13.06 and an economy of less than three. Bumrah took 4 wickets twice and 5 wickets thrice in this series.

Bumrah also captained Team India in the first match of this series in Perth and led India to victory by 295 runs. He was chosen Player of the Series for taking the most wickets in the series. His best bowling performance was 6 wickets for 76 runs.

2# Pat Cummins | 25 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Australian captain and fast bowler Pat Cummins took 25 wickets at an average of 21.36 and an economy of 3.19 in 10 innings of five matches in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 series. Cummins took 4 wickets once and 5 wickets once in the series. His best bowling performance was 5 wickets for 57 runs.

Cummins has been one of the most consistent bowlers for Australia in the recent years and he showed why his team can count on him when it comes to taking crucial wickets to bail his team out of difficult situations. 

3# Scott Boland | 21 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Australian fast bowler Scott Boland came into the side after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the series due to injury in between the series. He took 21 wickets in six innings of just three Test matches at an average of 13.19 and an economy of less than three. He took 4 wickets once and 5 wickets once in this series.

Boland's best bowling performance was 6 wickets for 45 runs, which he took in the second innings of the final Test. He was also the man of the match in the last test.

4# Mohammed Siraj | 20 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj ended up as India's second-highest wicket-taker of the series, with 20 scalps at an average of 31.15 and an economy of less than four. He also took 4 wickets once in this series. Siraj's best bowling figures read an impressive 4/98..

5# Mitchell Starc | 18 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Australian experienced fast bowler Mitchell Starc took 18 wickets in 10 innings of 5 test matches. He took these wickets at an average of 28.66    and an economy of less than four. 

Starc took 5 wicket haul once in the series. His best bowling performance was six wickets for 48 runs which came in the pink-ball Adelaide Test. He turned out to be lethal with the new ball. 

Also Read: Most Test wickets in 2024: Bumrah, Atkinson, Bashir and more

6# Nathan Lyon | 9 Wickets

Most Wickets in BGT 2024-25 - Sportzpoint.com

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon played a very minimal role in the series. bowled just 122.4 overs throughout the five Tests, which is more of a testament to the fast bowlers than anything else.

Lyon took 9 wickets at an average of 36.88 and an economy of 2.70 in 7 innings of five matches in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 series. His best bowling performance was 3 wickets for 96 runs.

Next Article

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney Highlights | Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years with a 3-1 win

Catch the highlights of the Australia vs India, 5th test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 long years.

Jan 5, 2025, 6:53 AM1 min read

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney Highlights | Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years with a 3-1 win | sportzpoint.com
Australia reclaimed the BGT after 10 years. Image | Getty Images

Hello and welcome everyone to another LIVE Blog of Sportz Point. This time, we will cover the much anticipated fifth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Australia are currently leading by 2-1 in the series after winning the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). India, who are currently going through a tough time on and off the field, will look to bounce back in this test to keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with them.

Read Also | AUS vs IND 5th Test preview: Live streaming, probable xi, key players

Moreover, if India do not win this test match, they will also be eliminated from the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. With lots of things in contention, this test match surely sets up to be an iconic one. 

So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you the LIVE updates of AUS vs IND, 5th Test, at SCG. 

LIVE Updates

Jan 5, 2025, 7:24 AM

Final thoughts | AUS 3-1 IND

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney Highlights | Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years with a 3-1 win | sportzpoint.com
Australian players with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Image | ICC/X

Australia were the better team throughout the series except for the Perth Test. Indian batters struggled to win the early battle and as a whole team failed to win the minor battles in crunch situations. Be it letting Lyon and Boland play nearly 100 balls for 11th wicket in MCG or those rash shots from middle order batters throughout the series, Indian team failed in important times.

Rohit Sharma as a leader failed as well, both with the bat and with game plan as well. Meantime, Pat Cummins was just on point every time and with the backing of bowlers like Starc, and Boland, had had the options to play around.

Jasprit Bumrah was the lone hero and needed support from another end, which he did not get most of the times. India, did try to fight back many times, but Australia deserved to reach the World Test Championship Final. They will face South Africa in the final on June 11 at Lord's. 

Jan 5, 2025, 7:16 AM

BGT 2024-25 | Most Wickets

 
Player Matches Innings Balls Overs Maidens Runs Wickets BBI Average Economy Strike Rate 4 Wkts 5 Wkts
JJ Bumrah (IND) 5 9 908 151.2 39 418 32 6/76 13.06 2.76 28.37 2 3
PJ Cummins (AUS) 5 10 1002 167.0 32 534 25 5/57 21.36 3.19 40.08 1 1
SM Boland (AUS) 3 6 610 101.4 27 277 21 6/45 13.19 2.72 29.04 1 1
Mohammed Siraj (IND) 5 10 943 157.1 29 623 20 4/98 31.15 3.96 47.15 1 -
MA Starc (AUS) 5 10 920 153.2 26 516 18 6/48 28.66 3.36 51.11 - 1
NM Lyon (AUS) 5 7 736 122.4 19 332 9 3/96 36.88 2.70 81.77 - -

 

Jan 5, 2025, 7:14 AM

BGT 2024-25 | Most Runs

 
Player Matches Innings Not Out Runs Highest Score Average Balls Faced Strike Rate 100s 50s Ducks 4s 6s
TM Head (AUS) 5 9 1 448 152 56.00 484 92.56 2 1 1 52 4
YBK Jaiswal (IND) 5 10 1 391 161 43.44 732 53.41 1 2 2 44 4
SPD Smith (AUS) 5 9 0 314 140 34.88 571 54.99 2 0 1 31 4
K Nitish Kumar Reddy (IND) 5 9 1 298 114 37.25 464 64.22 1 0 1 30 8
KL Rahul (IND) 5 10 1 276 84 30.66 551 50.09 0 2 1 28 0
RR Pant (IND) 5 9 0 255 61 28.33 432 59.02 0 1 0 24 6

 

Jan 5, 2025, 7:08 AM

Not a good time for Rohit and India

Jan 5, 2025, 7:08 AM

No comment from Guatam Gambhir

Jan 5, 2025, 7:07 AM

One's first, someone's last?

Nathan Lyon keeps a tight grip on the trophy as he poses with his team-mates, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 3rd day, January 5, 2024
From left to right: Sam Konstas who won his first BGT, posing with Steven Smith, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott and Mitchell Starc. Image | Getty Images

Jan 5, 2025, 7:05 AM

Big announcement? Soon?

Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli get together after the game, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 3rd day, January 5, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli hugging each other after the test match. Image | Getty Images

Jan 5, 2025, 7:03 AM

A win after 10 years!

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney Highlights | Australia reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years with a 3-1 win | sportzpoint.com
Australian players celebrating the win. Image | Getty Images

 

Jan 5, 2025, 7:02 AM

Any guesses for the Player of the Series?

Jan 5, 2025, 6:57 AM

Scott Boland was the player of the match

Australia's bowling quartet - Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Pat Cummins - walk back after India's innings, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 3, January 5, 2024
Scott Boland leading the Australia bowling quartet after his 6-fer. Image | Getty Images 

Scott Boland, who claimed his first-ever 10-wicket haul in test matches, was awarded the Player of the Match award. He took 31/4 and 45/6 in the test match.

Jan 5, 2025, 6:51 AM

Australia win the test by 6 wickets

Scott Boland celebrates his match haul of 10 wickets, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 3, January 5, 2024
Scott Boland picked up six wickets in the second inning at SCG. Image | Getty Images 

India could only add 15 runs to their overnight total. Pat Cummins removed Washington Sundar's (12) stumps while Siraj (4) and Bumrah (0) were cleaned up in two balls gap. Scott Boland returned with 45/6. 

Though Jasprit Bumrah came out to bat, he did not come out to bowl with a back injury and with the ICC Champions Trophy coming in a few months time, this was probably the correct decision. 

Prasidh Krishna celebrates Sam Konstas' wicket, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 3, January 5, 2024
Prasidh Krishna celebrates Sam Konstas' wicket. Image | Getty Images 

With only 162 needed to win and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sam Konstas gave Australia a flying start. Konstas went back to dressing room after a quick 22 from17 balls. Australia till then had already added 39 runs in 3.5 overs.

Prasidh Krishna had Marnus Labuschagne caught at gully, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 3rd day, January 5, 2024
Prasidh Krishna had Marnus Labuschagne caught at gully. Image | Getty Images 

Prasidh Krishna then followed up with two quick wickets. He first removed Marnus Labuschagne on 6 from 20 balls. A short of a length and Labuschagne could not ride on the bounce as he tried to play it towards the point. Jaiswal took a sharp catch to remove him.

Prasidh Krishna dismissed Steven Smith, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 3, January 5, 2024
Prasidh Krishna dismissed Steven Smith with a short ball. Image | Getty Images

Smith then on 9999 test runs, faced a vicious short ball from Krishna. Around off-stump and at the chest area, Smith could not control the ball and got and edge. Jaiswal took a diving catch at gully to make things interesting. Australia 58/3 and things were getting interesting. 

Australia v India - Men's 5th Test Match: Day 3 | Usman Khawaja played a good inning of 41 from 45 balls | sportzpoint.com
Usman Khawaja played a good inning of 41 from 45 balls. Image | Cricket Australia via Getty Images

But, the 46 runs partnership between Travis Head and Usman Khawaja threw India out of the contest. Khawaja, on 41 from 45 balls, tried to pull a short of a length ball from Siraj. But, he could only manage an inside edge straight to Pant. They still needed 58 runs to win.

Beau Webster, the debutant, roars after hitting the winning runs, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 3rd day, January 5, 2024
Beau Webster, the debutant, roars after hitting the winning runs. Image | Getty Images

Post that, it was all about the debutant Beau Webster and Travis Head. Both played at nearly a run-a-ball strike rate and Indian bowlers could not find a solution to get him out. Stand-in captain Virat Kohli kept on bowling Siraj and Krishna but eventually it was an easy win for the Aussies.

They won the test match by 6 wickets and reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years. 

Jan 4, 2025, 11:30 PM

Day 3 starts

Day 3 of the test match starts and this can be the final day of the test match as well 

Jan 4, 2025, 7:06 AM

End of Day 2 | INDIA 141/6

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Scott Boland took four wickets on Day 2 | sportzpoint.com
Scott Boland took four wickets on Day 2. Image | Getty Images 

Another great day of test cricket comes to an end. India produced another fight with the ball. Though the openers tried their best, Scott Boland's four wickets helped Australia come back in the match.

Rishabh Pant tried his best with a 33-ball from 61 runs and India now lead by 145 runs. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are at the crease for India now. 

Jan 4, 2025, 7:00 AM

Smith drops Jadeja | IND 138/6

Round the wicket from Beau Webster. He hits the right area and produces the edge from Jadeja. The catch was going straight to Usman at first slip. But. Steve Smth from the second slip dived to his right to take the catch and missed it. 

Jadeja gets a life. Can he take advantage of that?

India 138/6. 

Jan 4, 2025, 6:47 AM

Boland gets Nitish Kumar Reddy | 129/6

Scott Boland dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy for his second low score of the match, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Scott Boland dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy. Image | Getty Images

No strike rotation, no boundaries and we knew a shot would come. From nowhere, Nitish Kumar Reddy (4) looked to go over mid-off and only managed to get the toe of the bat. Cummins at mid-off takes a good catch. 

India are 129/6 and lead by 133 runs. 

Jan 4, 2025, 6:33 AM

Fastest 50s for India in Tests (by balls faced)

  • 28 Rishabh Pant vs SL Bengaluru 2022
  • 29 Rishabh Pant vs Aus Sydney 2025 *
  • 30 Kapil Dev vs Pak Karachi 1982
  • 31 Shardul Thakur vs Eng The Oval 2021
  • 31 Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Ban Kanpur 2024

Jan 4, 2025, 6:24 AM

Cummings gets the big wicket of Pant | IND 124/5

The Aussie captain brought him into action and got the big fish.

Short, outside off stump and it was leaving Pant. Pant went for a big cut shot and the bounce got the better of him. Carey with the catch and Pant goes after 61 from 31 balls. He gave the injection the Indian team were looking for.

India 124/5, lead by 128. 

Jan 4, 2025, 6:17 AM

Rishabh Pant on fire | Fifty in 29 balls

Rishabh Pant nearly broke his own record of fastest fifty in test cricket by Indians | sportzpoint.com
Rishabh Pant nearly broke his own record of fastest fifty in test cricket by Indians. Image | Getty Images

Rishabh Pant nearly broke his own record of fastest fifty in test cricket by an Indian. He gets this in 29 balls and the previous record was 28 balls. 

He smashed Boland and

Jan 4, 2025, 6:04 AM

India lose their top order for 78; lead by 82

Scott Boland had KL Rahul bowled, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Boland celebrates Rahul's wicket in the second inning. | Image - Getty Images 

It was quite evident with the amount of help seamers were getting, that the Indian top order would struggle against the Aussie pacers. However, Rahul and Jaiswal gave India a good start with a 42-run opening partnership. Rahul, batting on 13, wanted to play the inswinger from Boland towards mid-wicket. But, he could not touch the ball. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal is bowled, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Jaiswal's stumps were rattled by Boland. Image | Getty Images 

Five runs later, Boland cleaned up Jaiswal's stumps with a peach of a delivery. From round the wicket, the ball pitched on the middle and off-stump and left Jaiswal just enough to clip his pad and then hit the off-stump. There is nothing Jaiswal could have done with that. He went after a good-looking 22 from 35 balls.

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Scott Boland dismissed Virat Kohli again in the second inning | sportzpoint.com
Scott Boland dismissed Virat Kohli again in the second inning. Image | Getty Images 

Post Jaiswal's wicket, Virat Kohli came in running and looked positive from the first ball. An aggressive pull shot went for four and looked better defending the ball as well. But, it was Boland again who had the better of him. Around the off-stump, and Kohli (6) pushed at it again. Smith took a good catch to dismiss him as well. Kohli was livid with himself. 

Australia v India - Men's 5th Test Match: Day 2 | Beau Webster dismissed Shubman Gill in the second inning for his debut Test wicket | sportzpoint.com
Beau Webster dismissed Shubman Gill in the second inning for his debut Test wicket. Image | Getty Images

Pant then came down the crease and hit Boland for a six, over long-on to clear his intentions. The southpaw batter did not hold himself up and wanted to disturb Boland's length. But, it was the slow medium pace of Beau Webster that enticed Shubman Gill to do a Pant. However, he only managed to get an inside edge and Carey took a brilliant catch to remove him.  

India struggling at 78/4 and lead by 82. 

 

Jan 4, 2025, 5:44 AM

ICYMI: Bumrah left the field in the first inning

Bumrah left the stadium in his training kit and probably went for a scan. He had bowled more than he thought he would have to throughout the series. And, if he has pulled up something, India will struggle in the second inning. 

Jan 4, 2025, 5:36 AM

Australia 181 all-out | India take the lead of 4 runs

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates after dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. Image | Getty Images

India were at best from the word go on Day 2. Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian captain started the fight for India as he nicked behind Marnus Labuschagne. Marnus was squared up and the snicko said he had touched the ball. DRS worked for India and Australia were 15/2.

Mohammed Siraj stunned Australia with a double-wicket over, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Mohammed Siraj stunned Australia with a double-wicket over | Image - Getty Images

Full and on the money. A perfect enticing outswinger from Mohammed Siraj and he had Sam Konstas caught out at gully. Jaiswal held on to the catch and Australia lost their third for 35.

Mohammed Siraj celebrates with Virat Kohli after dismissing Travis Head, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Mohammed Siraj celebrates with Virat Kohli after dismissing Travis Head. Image | Getty Images

Siraj was on a roll as he dismissed Travis Head early in his inning. Siraj cramped Head up with an inswinger and just wanted to on the on side of the ball. However, he just managed to produce a nick and Rahul took a good catch at second slip. Australia 39/4. 

Prasidh Krishna celebrates after dismissing Steven Smith, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Prasidh Krishna celebrates after dismissing Steven Smith. Image | Getty Images

Prasidh Krishna then joined the party as he broke the partnership between Steven Smith and Beau Webster. Around off-stump and a bit fuller from Krishna and the ball just moved enough to get the edge as Smith wanted to drive the ball. Rahul with another catch at second slip. Australia 96/5.

Alex Carey is cleaned up by Prasidh Krishna, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Alex Carey was cleaned up by Prasidh Krishna. Image | Getty Images

Krishna then cleared Alex Carey's stumps post lunch with an inswinger and the gap between Carey's bat and ball helped Krishna to use that inswinger well. Second wicket for him. Australia lost their sixth for 137.

Beau Webster brought up his debut half-century off 92 balls, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Beau Webster brought up his debut half-century off 92 balls. Image | Getty Images

The debutant Beau Webster then completed his fifty and he kept on fighting a lone battle for the home side. A fifty of 92 balls for the youngster. But soon, he lost his other partner Pat Cummins. This time it was Nitish Kumar Reddy who pitched a bit short around off-stump and Cummins just pushed at it to get the edge. Australia 162/7. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy after dismissing Pat Cummins | sportzpoint.com
Nitish Kumar Reddy after dismissing Pat Cummins.

Reddy struck again in his next over. A short ball from around the wicket and Starc threw his hands at the ball. A good diving catch from KL Rahul and it is at this time it looked like India will get the lead. 

Beau Webster indicates that extra bounce from Prasidh Krishna got him out, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Beau Webster indicates that extra bounce from Prasidh Krishna got him out. Image | Getty Images

Krishna then got the better of the debutant. A bit shorter in length and Beau Webster did not expect the ball to bounce that much. He only managed to produce the nick for Jaiswal to latch on at gully. 

Mohammed Siraj wraps up Australia's innings with the wicket of Scott Boland, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, Day 2, January 4, 2025
Mohammed Siraj wrapped up Australia's innings with the wicket of Scott Boland. Image | Getty Images

Boland again added 9 runs batting at No. 11, while Australia added 15 for the last wicket. Siraj created an angle from over the wicket and Boland could not judge the inswinger. It went straight through him and India earned a lead of 4 runs. 

Siraj returned with 4 wickets for 51/3 while Krishna took three for 42. Burmah and Reddy took two wickets each for India. 

Jan 3, 2025, 11:32 PM

Day 2 starts

Here we go! Day 2 starts! 

Jan 3, 2025, 7:34 AM

Konstas gets a treatment of his own | AUS 9/1

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Jasprit Bumrah had a go at Sam Konstas after removing Usman Khawaja in the last ball of Day 1 | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah had a go at Sam Konstas after removing Usman Khawaja in the last ball of Day 1. Image | CA via Getty Images

Sam Konstas, playing only his second match, wanted to slow down the game from the bowler's end as India wanted to have an extra over at the end of the day. Konstas' behaviour made angry someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who is mostly cool with his actions. 

Bumrah returned the treatment with a wicket in the last ball of Day 1.

Round the wicket, Bumrah pitched the ball a bit up and made Usman Khawaja play the ball. The ball took the outside edge and KL Rahul took a low catch to give the momentum India needed at the end of the day. 

Australia 9/1. Konstats 7* (8), Khawaja 2 (10).

Jan 3, 2025, 7:24 AM

India all-out for 185

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Rishabh Pant scored a fighting 40 in the first inning | sportzpoint.com
Rishabh Pant fought hard for his 40 and then was dimissed by Scott Boland.

Rishabh Pant's dismissal made sure India will have another collapse in the middle. Pant, who was looking good on 40, went for a big pull shot against Boland but only managed to get a top edge. Cummins did the rest to grab the catch. India at that time were 120/5. 

Scott Boland celebrates after dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 1st day, January 3, 2025
Boland was on a hat-trick after dismissing Pant and Reddy in back-to-back balls. Image | Getty Images

Boland got rid of Nitish Kumar Reddy, the centurion from the last match in the next ball. On and around the off-stump, from a length the ball bounced a bit high and Nitish tried to follow the the ball and got the edge. India 120/6 and in trouble.

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Mitchell Starc trapped Ravindra Jadeja in front of the wicket | sportzpoint.com
Mitchell Starc trapped Ravindra Jadeja in front of the wicket. Image | Getty Images 

A few overs later, Ravindra Jadeja (26) also fell prey to an inswinger from Mitchell Starc. It was full and coming in and Jadeja wanted to play around his front pad. He had his head falling already and could not manage to get a touch to the ball. Jadeja went for the review but the ball was hitting the middle of the middle stump. India were 134/7 after that.

Washington Sundar walks off after being given out via DRS, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 1st day, January 3, 2025
Washington Sundar walks off after being given out via DRS. Image | Getty Images

After that, a terrific DRS from Pat Cummins off his own bowling dismissed Washington Sundar on 14. A short ball from the Australian captain and Sundar wanted to hook the ball and got a faint edge while doing that. On-filed decision was not out but Australia went upstairs and got the wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah added valuable 22 runs down the order - AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah added valuable 22 runs down the order. Image | Getty Images

Bumrah then added a valuable 22 from 17 balls to take India to something honourable. For the last two wickets, India added 37 runs, which helped India to get to 185. Prasidh Krishna and Siraj added 3 each. 

For Australia, Boland was the pick of the bowlers, returning with 31/4. Starc took three wickets for 49.

Jan 3, 2025, 2:53 AM

Smith drops Jadeja | IND 76/4

Wait, what? 

Steve Smith, who is just three short of Ricky Ponting's record for most catches as a non-wicket-keeper, drops a straight one. 

Boland, round the wicket, bowled a bit fuller and Jadeja wanted to play towards the midwicket and got a thick edge. But, Smith could not judge the ball and missed it completely. 

Jadeja gets a life. 

India 76/4. 

Jan 3, 2025, 2:49 AM

Boland gets Kohli | IND 72/4

Australia v India - Men's 5th Test Match: Day 1
Kohli edges one from Boland.

Scott Boland gets the big fish. Pant had denied a single in the last ball and Kohli now poked one to the third slip. 

After showing a lot of discipline, Kohli now goes for the ball and gets a big edge. The debutant Webster moved to his left sharply to take a good catch. Kohli is back in the dressing room after a defensive 17 from 69 balls.

India 72/4. Can Pant and Jadeja rescue India?

Jan 3, 2025, 2:29 AM

A change in technique from Kohli

Jan 3, 2025, 2:06 AM

Day 1 Lunch, India 57/3

India started the inining just like the most of the test matches, losing the openers early.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc celebrate KL Rahul's wicket, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 1st day, January 3, 2025
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc celebrate the wicket of KL Rahul. Image | Getty Images

KL Rahul was dimissed on 4 off 14 balls while trying to flick a half-volley. A soft dismissal and Sam Konstas with the catch. Mitchell Starc struck early. 

Beau Webster and Scott Boland are congratulated by their team-mates, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 1st day, January 3, 2025
Beau Webster and Scott Boland celebarate the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Image | Getty Images

Post Rahul's dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal recieveda peach of a delivery from Scott Boland. Just around the off-stump, leaving him, and he edged that to the debutant Beau Webster. Jaiswal went for 10 from 26 balls. 

Virat Kohli drives through the off side, Australia vs India, 5th Test, Sydney, 1st day, January 3, 2025
Virat Kohli drives through the off side. Image | Getty Images 

Virat Kohli was nearly gone on duck. But, Steve Smith despite making a great effort, could not hold on to the catch in slips. Post that, Kohli showed discipline, leaving the ball and playing odd shots against half-volleys. Shubman Gill on the other end also looked solid, except for one time when he nicked an inswinger from Pat Cummins. 

But, against the run-of-play, he tried to come out against Nathan Lyon and only managed to nick the ball to first slip at the stroke of lunch. Gill went after another good looking 20 from 64 balls. India 57/3 at lunch. 

Jan 3, 2025, 12:16 AM

Playing XIs

Australia: 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland
India: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Shubman Gill, 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Jasprit Bumrah (capt), 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna

 

Jan 3, 2025, 12:15 AM

Toss update

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates, Scores and News and Free Commentary | Jasprit Bumrah comes to toss for India | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah came to toss for India. Image | Getty Images

India win the toss and decided to bat first.

Jan 2, 2025, 5:22 PM

Pant out? Jurel In?

Pant out? Jurel In? - AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates | sportzpoint.com
Both Jurel and Pant played together in the Perth Test, which India won. Image | Getty Images

In a shocking report, Sportz Point got to know that, Rishabh Pant might have to leave his place to young Dhurv Jurel who played in the first test at Perth, which India won. 

Gautam Gambhir and management were not happy with the way Pant got dismissed in the last two test matches, especially in the MCG test and he might lose his place despite being one of the best batters for India in the last two seasons. 

Shubman Gill will come back to the team. Gill was the first batter to enter the nets while Jurel was the last one to leave. 

Jan 2, 2025, 5:15 PM

Beau Webster in; Marsh out for Australia

Beau Webster in; Marsh out for Australia - AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates | sportzpoint.com
Beau Webster is set to make his Test Debut, replacing Mitchell Marsh. Image | Getty Images

Mitchell Marsh, who has not got going with bat and ball, will be replaced by Tasmanian Beau Webster. 

Jan 2, 2025, 5:12 PM

India will be without Rohit Sharma?

AUS vs IND, 5th Test, Sydney LIVE Updates - India will be without Rohit Sharma? | sportzpoint.com
Rohit Sharma looked a bit off-coloured during India's practice session. Image | Getty Images 

From many reports, we can hear that Indian captain Rohit Sharma has "opted out" from the Sydney test match and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the team. 

However, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir, who attended the press conference today, said that India will decide their playing XI after watching the pitch.

Jan 2, 2025, 5:08 PM

Tradition

Jan 2, 2025, 5:06 PM

17th Pink Test

Jan 2, 2025, 5:04 PM

When was the last time India defeated Australia at Sydney?

India have only won a lone test match at Sydney Cricket Ground. Bishan Singh Bedi was the captain of the India team as India managed a victory by an innings and 2 runs in 1978. 

Erapalli Prasanna took eight wickets in that match for India.

Jan 2, 2025, 5:02 PM

India's result at the SCG

Head-to-Head Results
Matches Australia Wins India Wins Draw
13 7 1 5

 

Jan 2, 2025, 4:54 PM

Venue for the match | SCG

Sydney Cricket Ground | Sportz Point
Image | SCG

The Sydney Cricket Ground, which now hosts Cricket and Rugby. was established in 1851. One of the most iconic stadiums in cricketing history, SCG is known for its history and atmosphere. The ground now has a capacity of 48,000 people. 

Every year, this ground hosts the Pink-Test to create awareness about Brest Cancer, supported by the McGrath foundation. 

Jan 2, 2025, 4:46 PM

How to watch the match?

Fans from India can watch the match LIVE on Sony Sports Network Channel. Moreover, they can also stream the match LIVE on Disney+Hotstar with a paid subscription. 

Jan 2, 2025, 4:45 PM

Match Details

Match: Australia vs India, 5th Test, India tour of Australia 2024-24

Date: 3rd January 2025- 7th January 2025

Time: 10.30 start, Lunch 12.30-13.10, Tea 15.10-15.30, Close 17.30 (Local time)

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia

Next Article

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test: Controversial decision gets Jaiswal out; Australia win by 184 runs

Catch the highlights of the AUS vs. IND Boxing Day Test at MCG, as Australia won the test match in front of a record-breaking crowd. They take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Dec 30, 2024, 7:17 AM1 min read

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test: Controversial decision gets Jaiswal out; Australia win by 184 runs | sportzpoint.com
Australian players celebrating the win. Image | Getty Images

Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's another LIVE Blog. From today onwards for the next five days, we will cover the AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG. 

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series tied at 1-1, we can surely hope for another great exciting test match at the iconic test match. India have not lost a test match in the last three matches here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Read Also | Boxing Day Test: Australia announced playing XI; Rohit to open for India | Fourth test match preview

So, sit back and relax as Koushik Biswas brings you all the LIVE updates on the match from the web desk.

LIVE Updates

Dec 30, 2024, 6:53 AM

"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation:" Pat Cummins

"All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it's been amazing to be part of. Marnus helped me out in that second innings big time, happy to contribute. Amazing innings from Steve, winning the toss, it wasn't easy on the first day, but to get up to high 400s was terrific."

"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation [on batting on and not declaring]. We had plenty of runs to play with, and as many helmets around the bat as we could."

Dec 30, 2024, 6:49 AM

"We had our chances, but we didn't take them:" Rohit Sharma

"It is pretty disappointing. It's not that we went in with the intent of giving up the fight. We wanted to fight till the end and unfortunately, we couldn't do it. It'll be tough to assess just the last two sessions. If you look at the overall Test match, we had our chances, but we didn't take them. We had Australia 90 for 6. We know things can get tough, but we want to play tough cricket in hard situations."

"I don't want to look at one situation. We were not good enough. I went back to my room and thought about what else we could have done as a team, we threw everything we had, but they fought hard, especially that last-wicket partnership, which probably cost us the game there:" Rohit Sharma said in the post-match presentation. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:46 AM

Pat Cummins wins the player of the match award

Pat Cummins with the player of the match award in Boxing Day test match against India | sportzpoint.com

6 crucial wickets, and 90 valuable runs with the bat, Australian captain Pat Cummins wins the Player of the Match award.

Dec 30, 2024, 6:37 AM

Match Summary

Dec 30, 2024, 6:35 AM

"Fantastic way to finish:" Starc

"A fantastic way to finish the week. Fantastic week for us," Mitchell Starc while talking to Isha Guha post-match. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:29 AM

REMINDER

Scot Boland and Nathan Lyon played 117 balls for the last wicket in the second innings. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:26 AM

Lyon gets Siraj | India 155 all out

Australia win by 184 runs in a record-breaking Boxing Day test match at the iconic MCG. Sundar again was not able to take the single the last ball of the last over. 

Siraj, facing Lyon was always vulnerable. The ball kept a bit low and hit Siraj below the knee roll on the off-stump. Siraj went upstairs but the on-field decision stayed. 

Australia take a 2-1 lead in the series. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:20 AM

Boland strikes, Bumrah is gone! IND 154/9

Washington Sundar could not take a single in the last over and Bumrah had to face Boland. After negotiating two deliveries, he edged the third one. A top-class catch from Steve Smith, diving forward. 

India 154/9, with 13.3 overs to play. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:12 AM

The snicko works fine now | IND 150/8

Scot Boland comes into the attack and attacks the pad of Akash Deep. It thumps the pad and goes straight to the short-leg fielder. Umpire Joel Wilson gives it not out and Cummins goes for DRS again. 

The snicko shows a bit of murmur on the screen and Akash Deep has to depart. 

India 150/8. India still have to 16 overs to play. 

Dec 30, 2024, 6:04 AM

Is that out? | IND 140/7

Is that now Australia's game? Is that out? 

A slow bouncer from Pat Cummins and Yashashvi Jasiwal, batting on 84 from 208 balls, went for the hook. Australians appealed for the catch but the on-field umpire decided to give not out.

Cummins went for the DRS but after nearly watching the replays for 10 minutes, TV Umpire Sharfuddoula gave it out. There was nothing in the snicko but yet the TV umpire thought it was good enough to overturn the decision. 

Jaiswal has some words with the umpires too. But, he will have to and India have 21 overs to draw the match. 

India 140/7.

 

Dec 30, 2024, 5:58 AM

THE GOAT STRIKES | IND 130/6

Steven Smith gets into position to take the catch to dismiss Nitish Kumar Reddy off Nathan Lyon, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024

OH MY, MY! Nathan Lyon has Nitish Kumar Reddy, the centurion from the first inning. Australia now need 4 wickets to win. 

On and around off stump from Lyon and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to defend and only managed to get a thin edge. That was a brilliant catch from Steve Smith in the slips too. 

India 130/6. Nitish is out after 1 from 5 balls.

Dec 30, 2024, 5:54 AM

Boland strikes | IND 127/5

Scott Boland got one to climb on Ravindra Jadeja and take his edge through to the keeper, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024
Image | Getty Images

Double strike for Australia. Terrific from Scot Boland. From a length, the ball jumped a bit higher and caught Jadeja's bat. Is there another collapse for India?

India 127/5. Jadeja goes after 2 from 14 balls. 

Dec 30, 2024, 5:49 AM

Pant makes another mistake

Mitchell Marsh took a sharp, tumbling catch to remove Rishabh Pant, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 5th day, December 30, 2024
Image | Getty Images

Rishabh Pant makes a mistake for the second time in this test match. A short ball from Travis Head and Pant took it on. He went for the big shot but managed to give a catch to Mitchell Marsh at long-on. India 121/4.

Dec 30, 2024, 5:46 AM

A record Boxing Day Test

A record total attendance at the MCG, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, Day 5, December 30, 2024

Dec 30, 2024, 5:44 AM

Tech glitch

Due to technical glitch, we were not been able to send any updates.

Dec 30, 2024, 1:42 AM

Starc gets Kohli | IND 33/3

Mitchell Starc celebrates Virat Kohli's wicket, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, Day 5, December 30, 2024

At the stroke of lunch, Starc gets the better of Kohli's patience. In the last  over, Starc brought a few back into Kohli and this time Kohli goes for a big expensive drive. 

He gets the edge and Australia get their guy. 

India 33/3, need 307 runs to win. Australia need 7 wickets to win. 

Dec 30, 2024, 12:51 AM

Rahul gone for a duck in the same over | IND 25/2

KL Rahul goes for a duck. Australia are on a roll now. 

In the corridor of uncertainty from Captain Cummins. And, Rahul just hoped that the ball would leave him. But, it held his line to get the edge and India are two down now. 

India 25/2.

Dec 30, 2024, 12:48 AM

Cummins gets Rohit for fourth time | IND 25/1

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Rohit Sharma failed in the second inning as well | sportzpoint.com
Rohit Sharma failed again in the second inning. Image | Getty Images

Rohit's long waiting game is over. Cummins and Mitch Marsh were brilliant in getting the first wicket. 

A fuller outswinger and Rohit wanted to play it towards the square of the leg side. A thick edge and it went fast towards the slip. Marsh juggled twice but hold on it.

Rohit goes after 9 from 40.

Dec 30, 2024, 12:39 AM

Australia finish at 234

Finally, Bumrah has his five-wicket haul. He cleans up Lyon's stumps and Australia are bowled out for 234. India need 340 runs to win.

Dec 29, 2024, 7:07 AM

End of Day 5 | AUS 228/9, lead by 333 runs

The final pair added 55 and Australia recovered well to keep the fight. They lead by 333 runs. Lyon added 41 from 54 balls while Boland scored 10 off 65 balls. 

Dec 29, 2024, 7:05 AM

Drama! Bumrah gets Lyon but it is a no ball

In the last over, Bumrah managed an edge off Lyon. Rahul somehow managed to grab the catch in between his knees. But it is a no-ball.

The partnership now crosses 50!

Dec 29, 2024, 7:00 AM

Lyon & Boland play out 100 balls

The partnership now crosses 40 from 100 balls as India took the new ball.

Dec 29, 2024, 6:50 AM

310 up for Australia

The final wicket has caused a few problems for India. Boland has already played 59 balls and Lyon has added 22 from 40 balls.

Dec 29, 2024, 6:24 AM

The lead now crosses 300!

Australia's last three wickets have already added more than 100 and their lead now crosses 300!

 

Dec 29, 2024, 6:16 AM

Bumrah, the only bowler to take 200 test wickets at an average below 20!

Dec 29, 2024, 6:07 AM

The last wicket has already 16!

Frustrating times for India. The 11th wicket has already added 16 and these are some valuable runs. Australia lead by 293 runs now.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:55 AM

The greatest ever?

Dec 29, 2024, 5:46 AM

Jadeja gets the Australia captain | AUS 173/9

A very well-played inning comes to an end. Jadeja replaced Bumrah as the Indian pacer left the field. 

The change of pace worked out for India here. In and around the off-stump, the ball turned just a little bit. Cummins tried to open the face of the bat and got an edge. 

Good, sharp catch at slip from Rohit Sharma. Australia are now 173/9.

 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:31 AM

Incredible from Pant | Australia 156/8

Jasprit Bumrah watches as Mitchell Starc falls short, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024

Great work from Pant. Massive mix-up. Starc played the ball towards the square leg and then wanted a second run. 

However, Cummins was not interested. Pant with a direct throw at the bowler's end and Starc is gone for 5. 

Australia 156/8 and lead by 251. 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:26 AM

Marnus Labuschagne goes for 70! | AUS 148/7

Australia v India - Men's 4th Test Match: Day 4
Siraj celebrates the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne | Image: Getty Images

A big, big, wicket for India. Labuschagne was looking to somehow take Australia to a total where it would be tough for India to chase down the runs. 

Length ball from Siraj nipped back sharply and caught Labuschagne on the crease. Labuschagne went upstairs but it was Umpire's call on clipping the bails. 

Australia 148/7

Dec 29, 2024, 5:23 AM

The drama continues! Australia 91/6

Alex Carey was bowled neck and crop by Jasprit Bumrah, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024
Image | Getty Images

We are watching a once-in-a-lifetime bowler. Round the wicket to Carey, Bumrah pitched the ball in an around off-tump and the ball came back slightly. Carey tried to force a shot but could not manage to get his bat to the ball. 

Bumrah hits the stumps and he is one wicket away from another five-wicket haul.

Australia 91/6.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:20 AM

Marsh goes for a duck | 85/5

Australia v India - Men's 4th Test Match: Day 4 | Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a duck | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Mitchell Marsh for a duck. Image | Getty Images

This might be it for Mitchell Marsh. He has not got going in this series and against a red-hot Bumrah, he did not stand a chance as well. 

From a length, the ball was rising and clipped the glove, going straight to the slip cordon. 

Australia 161/8. 

Dec 29, 2024, 5:18 AM

Bumrah has Head's number | 85/4

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for his 200th test wicket | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for his 200th test wicket. Image | Cicket Australia

Jasprit Bumrah gets his 200th test wicket. 

For the second time in a row, Bumrah gets Travis Head very early in the inning. India are on a roll now. 

Round the wicket, Bumrah hit the pitch hard and angled it towards the middle stump and Head picked out the short mid-wicket fielder.

Australia 85/4.

Dec 29, 2024, 5:15 AM

Siraj gets Smith | AUS 80/3

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Mohammed Siraj dismissed Steve Smith in the second inning of Boxing Day Test | sportzpoint.com
Image | Getty Images

Full, wide and nicked. Smith tried to get on with the game but only managed to get an edge. He threw the bat at it and he will not have his 10000th test run today.

Australia 80/3.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:34 AM

Lunch, Day 4 | Australia 53/2

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Siraj cleaned bowled Usman Khawaja in the second inning | sportzpoint.com
Siraj silenced the crowd by dismissing Usman Khawaja. Image | CA via Getty Images

Very good session for India with the ball. They were able to stop the run flow and dry things up. Akash Deep was impressively tight but could not get a wicket. Bumrah got Sam Konstas and Siraj dismissed Usman Khawaja. 

Smith and Marnus are there at the crease and Australia lead by 158 runs.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:08 AM

Siraj cleans up Usman Khawaja | AUS 43/2

Usman Khawaja's stumps were rattled by Mohammed Siraj, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024

Man, he needed that so much. Mohammed Siraj, who was sending the ball across Usman Khawaja for most of the time, makes the ball come in from over the wicket. 

Khawaja, who struggled for most of his inning, could not gauge the line and missed the ball completely. Siraj hits the off-stump and gets the wicket.

Dec 29, 2024, 1:01 AM

Umpiers' call saves Marnus!

Dec 29, 2024, 12:48 AM

A change of end for Bumrah

So India want to have Bumrah in action for as long as they can. Siraj replaced Bumrah and after three overs from him, Bumrah comes back to action. 

Akash Deep has already bowled 7 overs in his spell and I believe Siraj will replace him on the other end.

Dec 29, 2024, 12:20 AM

Australia 23/1 after 10

A brilliant spell from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. After the first 10 overs of the inning, Australia struggled their way to 23 and if the luck had been there, India could have had a few more wickets.

Dec 29, 2024, 12:04 AM

It's not!

Dec 29, 2024, 12:03 AM

Bumrah gets Konstas

Jasprit Bumrah egged the crowd on after taking the wicket of Sam Konstas, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Melbourne, 4th day, December 29, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

Jasprit Bumrah proves why he is the best bowler in the world. Konsats, who had taken the game to India and Bumrah, rattles the stumps and India get their first.

From the top of the popping crease, the ball jagged back in and Konstas had no idea of that. It came in back at speed and rattled the stump. 

Australia 20/1 and lead by 125.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:43 PM

Jaiswal drops Khawaja | AUS 8/0

Khawaja nearly had fallen into the perfect trap set by Bumrah. Round the wicket, around the off stump, the ball left him for the first five balls and made the ball come in a bit and Khawaja went for his favourite flick shot. 

But, Jaiswal, who was very close to the bat at leg gulley, could not hold on to the catch.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:34 PM

Konstas looking to continue where he left in the first inning

After a few orthodox shots in the first over, Sam Konstas decided to come down the crease against Jasprit Bumrah. Akash Deep takes the new ball alongside Bumrah.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:31 PM

Highest score by a visiting player batting #8 or lower in Australia

118 Matt Prior Sydney 2011
114 Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
113 Yasir Shah Adelaide 2019
110 Adam Parore 2001
108 Gerry Alexander 1961

Dec 28, 2024, 11:23 PM

Lyon gets Reddy | IND 369

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | India fight with maiden century from Nitish Kumar Reddy, Australia take a 105-run lead | sportzpoint.com

Though Cummins was not able to get Siraj, Lyon gets Reddy. He had to take his chance to go big but only managed to mis hit it. Reddy is dismissed after a stunning 114-run inning. Australia take a lead of 105 runs.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:19 PM

This is interesting | IND 369/9

Dec 28, 2024, 11:10 PM

NKR looking to score some quick runs

Nitish looking to score as much as possible. But after scoring 9 off Lyon, he was unable to take a single in the last ball.

Dec 28, 2024, 11:01 PM

Day 4 starts

Pat Cummins starts things off against Nitish Kumar Reddy.

Dec 28, 2024, 3:56 PM

Day 4 to start from 4.30 am IST

Day 4 of the match will start 30 minutes earlier to make up the lost time.

Dec 28, 2024, 8:11 AM

End of Day 3 | IND 358/9

The rain came hard at the end of today's play and we could not have any game after that. India finished the day at 358/9 and trailing by 116 runs. India will look to add as many as they can tomorrow morning. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:44 AM

"Special day," Nitish Kumar Reddy's father after his ton against Australia | sportzpoint.com

"For our family, it's a special day and we cannot forget this day in our life. He has been performing well since the age group of 14-15 and now in international cricket, it's a very special feeling. (On what were his emotions when Nitish was on 99 with one wicket remaining) I was very tense. Only the last wicket was remaining. Thankfully Siraj managed to survive," Mutyala Reddy, Nitish's father told Adam Gilchrist during an interview after the hundred. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:35 AM

A star is born today!

Dec 28, 2024, 6:27 AM

Bad light stops play

It was already dark and now the umpires have decided to tell the players to leave the field. 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:22 AM

Youngest at the time of maiden Test century for India in Australia

18y 256d Sachin Tendulkar Sydney 1992
21y 92d Rishabh Pant Sydney 2019
21y 216d Nitish Reddy Melbourne 2024
22y 46d Dattu Phadkar Adelaide 1948

Dec 28, 2024, 6:20 AM

YESSS! Nitish Kumar Reddy gets his ton!

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | India fight with maiden century from Nitish Kumar Reddy | sportzpoint.com
Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrating his maiden test ton. Image | Getty Images 

What a remarkable hundred! A lofted straight drive over mid off and he gets the boundary to take him over 100. His first test ton and in a very demanding situation. 

His father is in tears and so are we! He becomes the third youngest Indian to score a test ton in Australia! 

Dec 28, 2024, 6:15 AM

Siraj plays out the three balls to give NKR a chance

With tension all over India and ground, Mohammed Siraj plays out the rest of the three balls from Pat Cummins. NKR now has the chance to score his maiden ton.

Dec 28, 2024, 6:12 AM

Drama! Cummins gets Bumrah

Nitish Kumar Reddy on 97 decided to take a double in the last ball of the last over. But, Cummins gets Bumrah and India are 9 down now with Reddy on 99 waiting on the other end.

Dec 28, 2024, 6:09 AM

Highest partnership for 8th wicket or lower for India in Australia

129 S Tendulkar - Harbhajan Sydney 2008
127 N Reddy - W Sundar Melbourne 2024
107 A Kumble - Harbhajan Adelaide 2008

Dec 28, 2024, 6:06 AM

Lyon gets Sundar | IND 348/8

Nathan Lyon gets Washington Sundar and India lose their 8th with 126 needed in the first inning. 

Sundar goes after a solid 50 from 162 balls.

 

Dec 28, 2024, 5:47 AM

Sundar scores his 4th test fifty

Playing only his 8th test, Washington Sundar shows why he has been rated so highly in India. This is his 4th test fifty and he is already averaging over 55 in his career. So underrated.

India keeps on fighting. 

India 345/7

Dec 28, 2024, 5:07 AM

Day 3, Tea

Well, well, the conditions were overcast since a while and it has started drizzling. The umpires take the players off as the groundsmen rush in with the covers. The main pitch has been covered. Early tea has also been taken. Brilliant session for India. They have scored 82 runs in 24 overs without the loss of a wicket.

India 326-7

Washington Sundar 40(115), Nitish Kumar Reddy 85(119).

Dec 28, 2024, 2:06 AM

Day 3, lunch | 27 overs, 80 runs, 2 wickets

Australia will be pleased to get rid of Pant and Jadeja this morning. Cummins and Boland started off well and bowled in disciplined channels. The pitch played well - Jadeja adopted a circumspect approach while Pant kept the scoreboard ticking. It was looking good for the visitors but a poor shot from Pant resulted in his downfall to Boland. 

He attempted a scoop on the previous ball without any success and he tried it again but only to get a leading edge down to the third man's throat. Lyon came in and troubled Jadeja from round the wicket angle - getting some to turn and skidding some with the angle. The southpaw was hurried by one that skidded on to get trapped in front.

India trail by 230 runs.

Dec 27, 2024, 7:39 AM

End of Day 2 | IND 164/5

A brilliant start by the batters was diminished with a collapse late in the day for India. Jaiswal, how was looking great, was run out and since then India lost two more wickets leaving Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja at the crease at the end of the day.

India trail by 310 runs. 

Dec 27, 2024, 7:05 AM

Back-to-back wickets for Australia

Batting collapse from India! Boland gets Virat Kohli, nicked to Alex Carey, right after Jaiswal’s run out! 

Kohli went for 36. In his next over, Boland dismissed Akash Deep and India are in deep trouble now! 

India 159/5. 

Dec 27, 2024, 6:41 AM

Jaiswal goes for 82!

What an unfortunate way to get out! Jaiswal on 82, looked for a single and Kohli was not keen for it! 

Cummins gets him and India lose their third! 

The 102-run partnership ends in a sad way! 

Akash Deep comes in as a night watchman! 

India 154/3

Dec 27, 2024, 5:40 AM

Yashasvi Jaiswal completes fifty

Well made fifty from Yashashi Jaiswal, his 9th in test format!

He has looked good so far and needs to build on this to get a big score. 

The partnership crosses 50 as well! 

Dec 27, 2024, 5:23 AM

Kohli and battle of off-stump continues

Virat Kohli looked good early in his inning. Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | sportzpoint.com
Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc have been trying to attract Kohli to poke at deliveries outside off stump! 

However, till now, Kohli has been good choosing the ball and shot! 

He is batting on 15 from 34! 

Dec 27, 2024, 4:49 AM

Cummins gets Rahul before tea

Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | Pat Cummins clean bowled KL Rahul on Day 2, just before tea | sportzpoint.com
Cummins clean bowled Rahul just before tea. Image | AFP/Getty Images 

Just at the stroke of tea, the Australian captain gets the best better from the Indian side. 

Rahul who was looking solid, was completely bamboozled by Cummins’s leg cutter which pitched in around off middle and off stump and the moved just a little bit to hit the off stump!

Any batter in the world would have got dismissed by that. 

India 51/2 at tea! 

Dec 27, 2024, 4:47 AM

Rohit goes early again

Australia vs India, 4th test, MCG, 2024-25 | Rohit Sharma failed to score big again
A dejected Rohit Sharma after failing to score big again! Image | Getty 

Amidst all the speculations of him batting at number three, the Indian captain returned to his favourite opening position! 

But even that change did not come any handy for Rohit as he was diminished on three by his counterpart Pat Cummins! 

Rohit could not connect his pull shot and was caught by Scot Boland. 

Dec 27, 2024, 3:11 AM

AUS finish at 474

Australia finished at 474 in the first inning. Steve Smith, just like the last test, was the star of the show with a magnificent 140! 

Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets while Akash Deep took two and Jasp Bumrah got 4 wickets! 

Dec 27, 2024, 1:32 AM

Lunch, Day 2 | Australia 454/7

Day 2, First session in numbers 

Overs 27

Runs 143 

Wickets 1

Dec 27, 2024, 1:27 AM

Australia cross 450!

Nothing is happening for the Indian bowlers as the Aussies cross 450!

Smith 137*, Starc 14*

Dec 27, 2024, 1:12 AM

Smith now toying with Indian bowling

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates | Smith looked for quick runs after scoring his 34th test ton | sportzpoint.com
Smith looked for quick runs after scoring his 34th test ton. Image | Getty Images

Two smashing boundaries against the pace and a paddle scoop as soon as the spinners came in. Steve Smith is now having fun and Australia have their foot on the paddle. 

How much would they get in the first inning?

Australia 439/7 in 109 overs.

Dec 27, 2024, 12:59 AM

Smith loves India

Steven Smith 1st innings scores vs India at home in red ball Tests

162*
133
192
117
0
131
36
0
101
103*

Dec 27, 2024, 12:58 AM

Finally a wicket for India | AUS 411/7

One short of his fifty, Aussie captain Pat Cummins wanted to go over the cover but could only slice the ball up towards long off against Ravindra Jadeja. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy with a good catch, moving to his left. Cummins goes for a well-made 49. Finally, the partnership is broken after a 112-run stand. 

Australia 411/7. 

Dec 27, 2024, 12:52 AM

Is he the greatest test batter of modern era?

Dec 27, 2024, 12:49 AM

Smith scores his 34th test ton!

Smith scores his 34th test ton! | sportzpoint.com
A delighted Steve Smith after his 34th test ton. Image | Getty Images

Test century no. 34 for Steve Smith! Back-to-back centuries for Steve Smith and this is his 5th test ton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

He now becomes the batter with the most test tons against India (11).

Dec 27, 2024, 12:31 AM

Nitish and Siraj from both end for India now

Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled for nearly 55 minutes on Day 2. Smith has already entered the 90s and is looking for his fifth ton at MCG!

Dec 27, 2024, 12:21 AM

MEANTIME

Dec 27, 2024, 12:18 AM

Australia cross 350; partnership crosses 50 too

Pat Cummins hit a few boundaries against Akash Deep on Day 2. | sportzpoint.com
Pat Cummins hit a few boundaries against Akash Deep on Day 2.

Three boundaries, one through the fine leg, one towards the third man and one through the covers and Australia crosses their 350. Meantime, Cummins and Smith put up a 50-run stand for the seventh wicket as well. 

Dominating stuff from the home team!

AUS 359/6. 

Dec 27, 2024, 12:08 AM

94th over: Maiden from Akash Deep

After the first ball of the over, Rohit put a short mid-wicket to let Akash Deep bowl more stump to stump. He tried a short ball as well, which went past Smith's ears. Then, he pitched it up which nearly procured the edge.

Good from Akash. 

Australia 342/6.

Dec 27, 2024, 12:04 AM

Another maiden from Bumrah | AUS 342/6

Man, he looks like a different bowler than all the other bowlers. In and around off stump, a few more plays and misses, two short balls to make Cummins uncomfortable, and another near-perfect over from the No. 1 Test bowler in the World.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:54 PM

"Well bowled, Jassi"

A few plays and misses nearly produced an edge twice in the over, and even Steve Smith acknowledged the greatness of Jasprit Bumrah. In the fifth ball, after playing and missing, Smith said, "Well bowled, Jassi."  

Dec 26, 2024, 11:50 PM

Seven from 90th over: Smith looking in great touch

A no ball to start and Pat Cummins was ready to tap one for a single in the next ball. After leaving a few balls, Steve Smith punched through the cover-point to get a boundary. He moves to 78 and looks ominous now. 

Australia 332/6. 

Dec 26, 2024, 11:45 PM

89th over: Bumrah replaces Siraj straightaway

Jasprit Bumrah replaces Mohammed Siraj straightaway. A single in the first ball and then an edge from Steve Smith down the third man to get a four. 

He bowled at low 130s and surely will look to warm the engine with time.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:41 PM

Akash Deep starts with a maiden

Good start from Akash Deep. He was on the money like he has throughout the test match.

Dec 26, 2024, 11:37 PM

87th over: 9 comes from Siraj’s over

Not so good start from India! 1, 4, 3, and a single to finish!

Siraj has bowled all of over the place and Australia have a great fast start! 

Australia 320/6

Dec 26, 2024, 11:29 PM

Second day to start

Hell and welcome! Good morning to everyone following the LIVE blog from India! 

We are minutes away from starting the second day of Boxing Day Test match! 

Dec 26, 2024, 7:10 AM

End of Day 1 | AUS 311/6

Well, a great day of cricket ends! 

We had everything! Sam Konstas going bang, bang against the likes of Bumrah and Siraj and India then keeping things tight in the second session with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith trying to play cautiously. 

In the third session, Australia tried to score some quick runs and lost four wickets as well. Bumrah, again was the star of the show taking three wickets including the important wicket of Travis Head for a duck.

Steve Smith is unbeaten on 68 from 111 balls with captain Pat Cummins on 8 from 17 batting at the other end.

Dec 26, 2024, 6:59 AM

Akash Deep strikes with the new ball!

Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing Alex Carey, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

And there you go! The discussion in the last test was that should Akash Deep take the new ball! This time Rohit gave him the new ball and he gets his first wicket of the match.

Hits a length hard in the corridor, and he gets it to bounce disconcertingly and also leave Carey. The line is so close to off stump that Carey can't pull his bat away quickly enough, and the ball kisses his edge through to Pant. 

Australia 299/6!

Dec 26, 2024, 6:57 AM

Bumrah gets his third!

Australia lose their third wicket in a quick time. Mitchell Marsh's poor form continues and Bumrah gets him while pulling. It's not quite genuinely short, and he dragged it from outside off. 

He's through the shot early and ends up edging it behind off the outside edge, very near the toe end for an easy catch to Pant.

Australia 246/5.

Dec 26, 2024, 6:53 AM

Bumrah gets Head for a duck!

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Jasprit Bumrah removed Travis Head for a duck | sportzpoint.com

WHAT A DELIVERY! Bumrah gets Travis Head for a duck. Head is not happy with the way he got out after dominating the last two test matches.

From a perfect length to hit the top of off, the perfect line to induce the leave, and wicked inward seam movement with a ball that's into its 67th over.

Australia 240/4

Dec 26, 2024, 6:50 AM

Marnus Labuschagne goes for 72

AUS vs IND Boxing Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Australia finish Day 1 at 311/6; Konstas, Smith, Marnus and Khawaja score fifties | sportzpoint.com

Taken at mid-off! Labuschagne has given it away. Came down the pitch, connected with a skimming drive and doesn't have the height to clear the field. Neat catch above the head by Kohli 237/3

Dec 26, 2024, 5:01 AM

Bumrah gets Khawaja for the fifth time in the series

Jasprit Bumrah removed Usman Khawaja for 57, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com

Usman went for the pull and only was able to get a top edge and Australia lost their second. Khawaja goes after a well-made 57!

Dec 26, 2024, 3:02 AM

NKR into the attack | AUS 134/1

Siraj was able to "open up" Marnus a few times in last over and Akash Deep was good against Usman before going for two boundaries in his last over. So, Rohit decides to brin medium pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy from the end Akash Deep was bowling.

Remind you he had dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the last test.

Dec 26, 2024, 2:54 AM

Usman Khawaja gets to his fifty!

Khawaja scores his 15th fifty of his test career, the first of the series. He had to fight for this. Thanks to Konstas, who allowed him to have some lose balls early in the inning.

But, post lunch, he left the balls well and waited for the half-vollyes and short balls from the Indian bowlers.

A half-volley from Akash Deep, followed by an edge through the slips, Khawaja got to a much-needed fifty. 

Australia 127/1 after 34 overs.

 

Dec 26, 2024, 2:45 AM

The ball keeps dropping in front of slips

Both Akash Deep (against Usman) and Bumrah (against Marnus) have been able to get the edges. But, both the times the edges have fall infront of the slips. 

Looks like the pitch does not have the carry it used to have. However, both the batters played those balls with softer hands.

Dec 26, 2024, 2:32 AM

4 consecutive maidens from Indian bowlers

Good start from Indian bowlers post lunch. Nothing but juts good areas on and around that off stump. Akash Deep started with a maiden and Bumrah continuted it. And now we have seen four back-to-back maidens. 

Wicket around the corner?

Dec 26, 2024, 1:35 AM

Lunch Day 1 | AUS 112-1 (25 Ov)

Australia win the first session of the test match and all thanks to Sam Konstas for an entertaining 60 from 65 balls on his debut in front of nearly 80000 people at the iconic MCG.

Bumrah went for plenty, and so did Siraj. Akash Deep troubled Usman for a bit but it was Ravindra Jadeja who trapped Sam Konstas in front of the wicket.

India did not have any answer to Konstas' unorthodox game and it looked like the youngster had fun entertaining everyone.

 

Dec 26, 2024, 1:19 AM

Australia cross 100 in 22 overs!

Nice and quick from Australia as they cross 100 in just 22 overs. Marnus is 9 from 9 and Usman is 32 from 58 balls.

Dec 26, 2024, 1:12 AM

Jadeja gets Konstas | AUS 89/1

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sam Konstas, Australia vs India, 4th Test, Day 1, Melbourne, ICC World Test Championship, December 26, 2024 | sportzpoint.com
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Sam Konstas. Image | Getty Images

As we had thought Ravindra Jadeja gets the better of Sam Konstas. In the last over, Jadeja was unlucky to not get a nod from the umpire. 

This time, he pitched the ball a bit further up and within the stump. Konstas wanted to go upstairs but Usman advised against it.

He goes for 60 from 65 balls. Australia 89/1. 

Dec 26, 2024, 12:48 AM

Rohit bring Jadeja into action | AUS 83/0

This would be fun! Jadeja against Konstas! 

But, it was Usman Khawaja, who pulled Jadeja for a four early in the over and then took a single in the fifth ball. Konstas only had to face one ball of spin before the umpires called for the drinks.

Konstas 55* (59), Usman 27* (37).

Dec 26, 2024, 12:41 AM

Fifty for Konstas! | AUS 70/0

Fifty on debut for Sam Konstas. He reaches the landmark in just 52 balls! | sportzpoint.com

Fifty on debut for Sam Konstas. He reaches the landmark in just 52 balls!

Dec 26, 2024, 12:36 AM

He is special

Dec 26, 2024, 12:26 AM

50 up for Australia in 11th over

A boundary down the ground for a four and then a slog over mid-wicket to get the second six of the day. 

India do not have any answer to the question Konstas has thrown at them. They cross the fifty in just the 11th over. 

AUS 62/0 after 11 overs.

Dec 26, 2024, 12:10 AM

Into the record books

Dec 26, 2024, 12:08 AM

4,6,4 against Bumrah: Konstas is brave and special

4,6,4 against Bumrah: Konstas is brave and special | sportzpoint.com

He did bring out the shot twice earlier in the inning. But, this time he is successful.

A scoop to get the second boundary of his test career. Then a reverse scoop to get his first six of his test career in the next ball. 

He stepped down the crease in the next ball and went for another reverse scoop in 5th ball of the over. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:51 PM

India waste a DRS very early in the match

After going away from the batter in his first over, Mohammed Siraj tried to bring a ball back into the batter in his second over. Usman Khawaja was out of his crease and though the ball hit the pad in and around the middle stump, the height was always the question.

Rohit took the DRS and the decision stayed with the umpires' call.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:48 PM

Well, well, well!

Sam Konstats, after scoring his first run in test cricket, stared down the wicket upon missing a ball and then went for a reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah. Interesting!

Usman Khawaja on the other hand, has a big smile on his face.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:40 PM

Youngest Test debutants for Australia

17y 239d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953
18y 193d Pat Cummins vs SA Joburg 2011
18y 232d Tom Garrett vs Eng Melbourne 1877
19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024
19y 96 Clem Hill vs Eng Lord's 1896

Dec 25, 2024, 11:34 PM

Here we go!

It is Sam Konstats, the debutant against probably the best cricketer in the world, Jasprit Bumrah to start the proceedings. 

Usman Khawaja decided to stay at the other end and the youngster took the opening ball in front of 90000 people at the MCG.

A near-perfect maiden from Bumrah, with all six balls leaving the batter and Konstats played and missed four times in that over.

Mohammed Siraj takes the new ball from the other end.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:29 PM

"A lot to play:" Rohit Sharma

"We would have batted as well, looks like a good wicket. The series is 1-1, a lot to play for, it gives us a perfect opportunity to show what we are as a team."

Dec 25, 2024, 11:29 PM

"Looks nice and firm:" Pat Cummins

"We gonna have a bat today. There's a bit of a grass like an old MCG wicket, looks nice and firm. It's been a great series so far. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:27 PM

Playing XIs

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma(c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

Dec 25, 2024, 11:25 PM

No Shubman Gill for India

AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Shubman Gill was dropped from the Indian playing XI
Shubman Gill was dropped from the playing XI. 

After all the speculations and rumours, it is Shubman Gill who makes way for Washington Sundar in India's playing XI. Rohit Sharma is listed to bat at number three with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul to open for India.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:22 PM

Sam Konstas makes his debut

AUS vs IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG LIVE Updates, Scores and Free commentary | Sam Konstas became 468th Australian player to play test cricket | sportzpoint.com
Sam Konstas became 468th Australian player to play test cricket.

19-year-old opener Sam Konstats became the 468th Australian test player. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:20 PM

Toss Update

Catch the LIVE updates, scores, news, and free commentary on the AUS vs. IND Boxing-Day Test at MCG, as both teams would like to get the lead in the series. | sportzpoint.com

Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first. Rohit Sharma says he wanted to bat as well.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:19 PM

Where to watch the test match?

Indian fans can watch the test match LIVE on Disney+Hotstar with a paid plan. Moreover, the match will also be televised LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Indian Televisions. 

Dec 25, 2024, 11:19 PM

Session timings

Toss - 4.30 am IST.

First session - 5 am to 7 am IST.

Second session - 7.40 am to 9.40 am IST.

Third session - 10 am to 12 pm IST.

Dec 25, 2024, 11:18 PM

Match Details

Match: Australia vs India

Date: 26 December - 30 December, 2024

Time: 5 am IST

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia.

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.