India's famed batting line-up caved in once again in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), and it proved decisive as the Australians took a 2-1 lead by winning the fourth Test in Melbourne by 284 runs on Monday.
Other than Yashasvi Jaiswal's 84, none of the Indian batters could stay on the crease long enough to force a draw. Only during the 88-run partnership between Jaiswal and Pant (30) did India look to be moving towards safety, but a rush of blood from the Indian wicketkeeper saw him gifting his wicket away to part-time spinner Travis Head with an unnecessary pull shot.
From 121 for 3, India lost their last seven wickets for just 34 runs to be bowled out for 155 and succumb to a big defeat.
While it gave the Aussies a 2-1 lead and a brightened their chances of reclaiming the BGT for the first time since 2014, India can still retain the trophy.
As per the rules, the defending champions keep the possession of the trophy if the series ends in a draw, which means that if the visitors can turn their fortunes around with a win in Sydney to end the series at 2-2, they will retain the BGT as the last edition's winners.
However, the defeat virtually ended India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, with Australia now the frontrunners to play South Africa, who have already secured a spot in the title clash scheduled for June next year at Lord's.
