Steve Smith hit 55 when Australia scored 294 in their second innings in Brisbane, with Shardul Thakur leading 4-61; India need 328 to win fourth decision test but will retain Border-Gavaskar Cup by draw
Last updated: 18/01/21 8:57 am
Mohammed Siraj of India will showcase the ball after completing his five-for-one maiden trial in Brisbane
Indian sailor Mohammed Siraj said he made a five-wicket maiden test to knock Australia out for 294 and ended close on the final day of the series decision at Brisbane.
Siraj corrected for dropping two catches – including Steve Smith, who scored the top score for the home team with 55 – as he finished with a 5-73 figure in his third test run alone.
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Step-player Shardul Thakur also returned a 4-43 best test to the visitors with a winning target of 328, which would be Gabba’s highest successful run – a place where Australia remain unbeaten the Exams since 1988.
India openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill faced just 11 deliveries, reaching 4-0 before watering in to end the fourth-day play.
Mohammed Siraj makes only his third test appearance for India in their series clash against Australia
Australia extended their lead overnight from 54 in the morning through openers Marcus Harris (38) and David Warner (48) before quickly losing four wickets in a row going down to 123-4.
Siraj picked up two of those in four deliveries, removing the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne (25) before Matthew Wade was caught behind him for a duck.
Smith and Cameron Green (37) led the Australian rebound with a partnership of 73, but both were knocked down by Siraj, who Smith poured deeply when he took the vice-spinner. Washington Sundar passed.
Steve Smith scored the lead with 55 in Australia’s second innings at the Gabba
However, Siraj found his man with a rising ball who hit Smith on the dish and bent into the hands of Gul and Green – who had been living in a sharp back grip – who finally left when he lowered Thakur to the second slope.
Australian captain Tim Paine (27) and Pat Cummins (28 not out) made sure their side’s lead climbed over 300 before Siraj and Thakur cleared the tail between them.
It was Thakur who secured all five for his team, capturing to take out the last man Josh Hazlewood (9) and setting up what promises to be an exciting high.
Australia need to win on the final day to get back the Border-Gavaskar Cup, which will remain with India if the match – and the series – ends in a draw.