The Boxing Day Test has lived up to the expectation. After four days of intense back-and-forth action, all three results are possible on the final day of the Test match. There was nothing to separate the two teams on 4th Day in Melbourne as they threw punches at each other on a day that ebbed and flowed, much like the way the series has panned out Down Under. 

The session pie on the 4th Day might show both India and Australia shared honors, but deep down, India will know they let go of an opportunity to take Australia by the scruff of the neck. Australia were reeling at 91 for 6 in the second session, but their never-say-die attitude shone through in helping them finish with 228 for 9, and with a lead of 333 runs.

The highest total chased at Melbourne Cricket Ground is 332 and India now need a record chase to win the Test. No team in the past 96 years has successfully chased a target exceeding 300 at the MCG. Over the last 50 years, 183 remains the highest successful chase at the iconic venue. 

On a day whenVirat Kohli brought the memories back, inspiring the team by stepping up as a leader, Jasprit Bumrah delivered another mesmerizing spell, taking his tally in the series to 29 wickets and surpassing the 200-wicket milestone in his career. Mohammed Siraj also bounced back with an improved performance, but India struggled to show the decisiveness needed to wrap up the Australian innings.

Yet, Australia will know they cannot discount India. Merely three years ago, India pulled off a remarkable chase of 329 at the Gabba in Brisbane, shattering Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the fortress.

A fortress was breached at the Gabba then, and India must now conquer Mount Melbourne to go 2-1 up in the series.