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The Day 4 of World Test Championship (WTC) final turned out to be an evenly-matched contest at Kennington Oval, London. Despite good cricket in patches from India, Australia set a ginormous 444-run target which will need a herculean attempt from Indian batters to even get close to. With 280 more runs needed on Day 5 on a pitch that has not deteriorated much and Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, India have reason to believe that the game is still in balance and set for an ultimate showdown.
Gill’s controversial dismissal
In the run chase of 444, India got off to a fiery start. In sunny conditions, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill took on Pat Cummins. Rohit did not curb his natural instinct and pulled Mitchell Starc for a six in the seventh over. Just when things seemed to be going in India's way Scott Boland forced an edge off Gill's bat. The ball was wide of Cameron Green but he got his fingers barely underneath the ball. However, it turned out to be a controversial call as from certain angles it seemed that the ball was touching the ground. But India lost their first wicket for 41 runs in the eighth over. Gill scored 18 runs from 19 balls.
Rohit throws away good start
In the second session, Cheteshwar Pujara walked out with intent. Rohit found boundaries as well to put pressure back on Australia early on in the third session. The two batters shared a 50-run stand. Nathan Lyon was introduced into the attack and he got the big wicket of Rohit. Bowling from around the stumps, Lyon pitched it in the middle and Rohit went for the sweep but missed the ball completely. He reviewed the decision but it went in vain. Rohit scored 43 runs from 60 balls including seven fours and a six.
Pujara departs but Kohli steps up
In the next over, Pujara went for an unnecessary uppercut off Cummins. All he could manage was an edge that landed in Alex Carey's gloves. India lost two quick wickets and were reduced to 93/3. Pujara scored 27 runs from 47 balls including five fours. Once again, Rahane was out in the middle after top order failed to make the most of a good start. Kohli and Rahane batted cautiously and pounced on the loose deliveries. Boundaries started to flow from Kohli's bat and in the 35th over they completed the 50-run partnership. No more wickets fell on Day 5. Kohli remained unbeaten for 44 off 60 balls including seven fours. On the other end, Rahane scored 20 runs from 59 balls including three fours.
Carey, Starc help Australia post big
Earlier on Day 3, Umesh Yadav struck early to remove Marnus Labuschagne who scored 41 runs. Green was overcautious in his approach whereas Carey scored freely. Ravindra Jadeja got the wicket of Green as the Aussie tried to pad the ball away but it hit the stumps. Green scored 25 runs from 95 balls. No more wickets fell in the first session. Carey attacked in the second session. He got to his half-century from 82 balls. Meanwhile, Starc operated under the radar. He switched gear as well with two fours off Mohammed Shami but outside edged one in the same over. Starc scored 41 runs from 57 balls including seven fours. Cummins walked out to bat but could not do more damage. He declared the innings with Australia’s score 270/8. Carey remained unbeaten for 66 off 105 balls.
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