Australia's tail wags to frustrate India in Melbourne test

MELBOURNE :A Marnus Labuschagne half-century and stubborn tail-end batting drove Australia to a 333-run lead at the end of day four in the fourth test in Melbourne on Sunday, leaving India facing a record chase to steal an unlikely victory.

Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland marched off to a huge ovation from home fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, having combined for an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the final wicket as Australia went to stumps at 228 for nine.

Lyon was 41 not out, with number 11 Boland on 10.

With the five-test series level at 1-1, India's pace dynamo Jasprit Bumrah had threatened to turn the match on its head with a three-wicket burst before tea in front of 43,867 fans.

But Labuschagne (70) and Australia captain Pat Cummins (41) steadied the hosts with a 57-run partnership before Boland and Lyon frustrated India further.

The day ended sourly for the tourists when Bumrah had Lyon caught in the slips with a no-ball in the final over.

Only one team has ever chased more than 300 for victory in a test at the MCG - England mowed down 332 runs to beat Australia in 1928.

Australia's rearguard resistance compensated for some shoddy middle order batting.

Having been in command at 80 for two, Australia lost four wickets for 11 runs in a Bumrah-led onslaught to slump to 91 for six.

Mohammed Siraj triggered the collapse when Steve Smith chased a wide, full delivery and nicked behind to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to be out for 13.

Bumrah steamed in to have Travis Head caught at square leg for one and earn his 200th test wicket.

He struck again four balls later to remove number six Mitchell Marsh for a duck with a gloved catch to Pant before bowling Alex Carey through bat and pad for two.

Australia were reeling but Cummins rode