Melbourne: Australian skipper Pat Cummins was left puzzled on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG after a contentious third umpire decision allowed India’s Mohammed Siraj to continue batting.  

Cummins bowled a full-length delivery that seemingly edged Siraj's bat into the hands of Steve Smith at second slip. While the Australians celebrated, on-field umpire Michael Gough referred the decision to third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat to rule out a potential bump ball.  

After reviewing the footage, Sharfuddoula deemed Siraj not out, asserting, "I can see the ball after hitting the back; I am satisfied." Cummins sought a further review, but umpires Gough and Joel Wilson dismissed his plea.  

Former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri criticised the decision, calling for closer scrutiny. Despite the drama, India’s innings ended at 369, with Nathan Lyon dismissing centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy for 114. Australia held a first-innings lead of 105 runs.

Australia steady at Lunch despite Indian strikes on Day Four

Australia reached 53 for 2 at lunch on day four of the fourth Test against India at the MCG, maintaining a lead of 158 runs in a gripping contest.

Resuming with a 105-run advantage, India made early inroads through Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Bumrah removed opener Sam Konstas for 8, while Siraj clean-bowled Usman Khawaja for 21 after a steady start.

At the interval, Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 20 alongside Steve Smith, who was on 2. The pair looked to consolidate against a disciplined Indian attack led by Bumrah, who delivered an economical spell of 8-1-18-1. Siraj (7-4-10-1) and debutant Akash Deep (9-2-20-0) also kept the pressure on.

Australia’s innings, aided by two extras, saw a slow but steady recovery after early setbacks. The match remains finely poised as India looks to restrict Australia’s lead and set up an exciting chase.