In the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the pitch conditions on Day 5 posed significant challenges for the Indian batting lineup. Throughout the match, the surface exhibited inconsistent bounce, with deliveries occasionally rising sharply or skidding low, making it difficult for batsmen to judge the ball accurately. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne noted that as the game progressed, the bounce became less predictable, leading to more deliveries hitting the stumps and balls skidding through.
Source:-bbc news
This unpredictable behavior of the pitch was further exacerbated by the hot weather conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C on Boxing Day. The intense heat likely contributed to the pitch’s deterioration, making batting increasingly challenging as the match advanced.
Source:- news 18
Despite these difficulties, the Indian team managed to reach 155/5 by the end of Day 4, requiring 185 runs to win on the final day. However, the challenging pitch conditions on Day 5, combined with Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led to India’s collapse, resulting in a 184-run defeat.
In summary, the MCG pitch on Day 5 presented a formidable challenge for the Indian batsmen, with inconsistent bounce and deteriorating conditions making batting a nightmare. These factors, coupled with Australia’s effective bowling strategies, contributed to India’s defeat in the fourth Test.
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