Marnus Labuschagne was the top-scorer for Australia on day 4 of the ongoing BGT 2024 Test in Melbourne, as the hosts moved to an advantage position with a huge lead against India. India was bowled out 369 runs in response to Australia's 474 runs, giving them a lead of 105 runs.  

In response, Sam Konstas (8) and Usman Khawaja (21) were dismissed early in the second innings, but Marnus Labuschagne followed his first innings of 72 with another innings of 70, with 3 fours in 139 balls.

As the middle order crumbled, he got help from Pat Cummins, who made 41 runs. In all, Australia finished day 4 on 228/9 with Nathan Lyon unbeaten on 41 and Scott Boland on 10* with a lead of 333 runs.

Labuschagne believes that India faces a challenging chase due to the pitch's inconsistent bounce. Deliveries bowled from a back-of-a-length are arriving at stump height, creating difficulties for batters.

“I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first probably, especially the first 40 to 50 overs. But as the game's gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we're just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through,” Labuschagne stated in a post-day press conference.   

He observed that while the lateral movement remains consistent, the inconsistent bounce poses a significant challenge.

“The seam movement's probably been the same. But just the amount of bounce is significantly lower. So that makes for pretty tricky batting there. Because more balls are hitting the stumps from a shorter length," he said.

Labuschagne remained tight-lipped about Australia's declaration plans for the fifth morning.

"Glad you think that I know if we're going to declare or not,” he said.

“We obviously had the perfect outcome for us. And they probably... we looked like having a bowl tonight and putting them under pressure. But, you know, the way the wicket played and the way India bowled and came out and put us under pressure in that first 40 to 50 overs, you know, the declaration wasn't an option for us,” Labuschagne added.

Labuschagne acknowledged the resilience displayed by the lower order.

“The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed that last part. I mean, I felt like we were probably ahead of the game just the whole way,” he added.

For India, Jasprit Burmah took 4 wickets and Mohammed Siraj took 3 scalps, but it will be a tall ask for Indian batters to chase down whatever target is set by Australians.

(PTI inputs)