India Struggles in Pursuit of 340-Run Target on Day 5 of Melbourne Test
The Indian cricket team faced significant challenges on the fifth day of the ongoing Melbourne Test as they began their second innings in pursuit of a challenging 340-run target set by Australia. The team found themselves in a precarious position by lunch, having lost three crucial wickets while scoring just 33 runs.
Openers Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0), along with batting stalwart Virat Kohli (5), were dismissed in quick succession, putting India’s chase under immense pressure. Rohit and Rahul were dismissed in back-to-back overs when the score stood at 25. Virat Kohli followed shortly after, being sent back to the pavilion with the score at 33, leaving India in a dire situation.
Earlier in the day, Australia was bowled out for 234 runs in their second innings, with a first-innings lead extending their target to 340. Among the Indian bowlers, Pat Cummins was the standout performer, claiming two wickets, while Mitchell Starc added one to his tally.
India’s batting collapse raised concerns over their ability to chase down the target, and with more wickets falling after lunch, the outcome of the match remained uncertain as they faced a daunting task on the final day.
