There were talks about overnight declaration and India going to chase down the target in the fourth innings, but Australia had their own plans and they again exposed Team India’s weakness of running through the tail when it matters the most.
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Australia played out the rain-interrupted morning session without any jitters to build a massive 383-run lead and ensured that shouldn’t be any defeat from this point. Steve Smith was not in a hurry and provided enough time to Shaun Marsh to get back into the form.
Marsh, who battled through the final session on the fourth day, looked in fine touch and built a crucial and potentially match winning partnership with Ryan Harris, should India go on to chase the total in the remaining two session on the final day.
Constant rain delays in the morning session left everyone frustrated at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but didn’t rattle Marsh’s concentration as he went on to make a 69-run partnership with Harris (21) for the eight wicket.
The 31-year-old was all set for his maiden hundred on the home soil, and third overall, in Tests but in the penultimate over of the first session was run out by Virat Kohli. He thus became the fifth batsmen to depart on 99 at the MCG.
Meanwhile, after a good showing with the ball on Day 4, Indian bowlers couldn’t trouble the Australian lower-order as Harris looked in good touch. He, however, was dismissed by Mohammed Shami, when he was caught by skipper MS Dhoni behind the stumps.
India now need to chase a mammoth 384 with roughly 70 overs remaining in the day, should there be no more rain delays. It will be a colossal task for the Indians, who are trailing the four-match series 2-0.
