major events
Players on the field, let’s go.
With day three ending early due to bad light and rain, play will begin at 10.09 am today with a minimum of 98 overs to be bowled.
The players are uniting on the sidelines and Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland will indeed resume their 55-run partnership for the 10th wicket. Yesterday they set a record of surviving 50 balls in both innings – only the second pair to do so in Test cricket history with a partnership for the 10th wicket.
After stumps today, the best player of the match will be awarded the Johnny Mullagh Medal. Who was it Johnny unanimous multiple? And why do we celebrate them in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG? Today’s story by Angus Fontaine has some answers – but also some questions.
South Africa’s cricketers celebrated throughout the night as they crawled into the face of Pakistan’s surging bowling attack. This means that South Africa is ready for the World Test Championship final.
The best thing about yesterday was that Bumrah’s ball destroyed the middle order. It was of immense quality and was capable of giving India a small target. But others could not complete the work.
Preface
Geoff Lemon
Good Melbourne morning to you wherever you are in the world. Day 5 from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and we’re set for a belter – although Australia’s last-wicket partnership last night tilted this match more in one direction than a neutral one would choose for the right setup. .
Trailing by 2 and leading by 185, the game looked comfortably in Australia’s favour. A few minutes later, at 4 and 196 ahead, India stole that lead. Labuschagne and Cummins got that Australian lead back on track, and when the last pair came together at 278, we felt we were set for a lead of around 280 which would have been about right. But a 55-run partnership between Lyon and Boland took it to 333.
This already appears to be too much for India to chase in one day. And the partnership is not over yet, we will find out soon whether Australia will declare or bat overnight.
Still, even if an India win is too big a challenge, it is entirely possible to save the game, and a 1-1 draw in Sydney would be the result. The winner takes all, or draws and India keeps the trophy. So, there is a lot to play for for the visitors today, whether they decide to bat aggressively or not.
It will be difficult to play on the pitch of the fifth day. Stay with us throughout the day, we will keep you informed.