Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur combined to pick nine wickets as India bundled up Australia on 294/10 in their second innings on Day 4 of the fourth Test in Brisbane. A day that saw rain curtail the proceedings on more than one occasion ended with India’s opening pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking the total to 4 for no loss as the visitors require another 324 to secure a win in the ongoing Test. Â
Steve Smith emerged as the standout player from the Australian camp as he completed his half-century. Apart from him, Australian opener David Warner too played a vital knock at the top before falling short by two runs from completing his half-century.Â
Among the Indian bowlers, Mohammed Siraj completed his maiden five-wicket haul in the ongoing contest. He found great support from his partner Shardul Thakur, who finished the innings with four wickets, while Washington Sundar removed one batsman.Â
A standing ovation as Mohammed Siraj picks up his maiden 5-wicket haul.#AUSvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/e0IaVJ3uA8
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2021
Thakur and Sundar stitched a vital 123-run stand for the seventh wicket on Day 3, taking India out of the danger zone after being reduced to 184/6 at one stage. Both the tailenders completed their respective half-centuries, beefing India’s first-inning total to 336, in response to Australia’s first innings total of 369. Among the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood picked five wickets.  Â
With a day remaining in the contest, the Test is heading towards a draw. The four-match series is squared at 1-1, and a draw here will see Ajinkya Rahane & co. help India retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy.   Â