Nathan Lyon takes a stunning diving catch to dismiss Akash Deb for a duck at the MCG

After getting a big fish in Virat Kohli, Scott Boland struck again, and this time, Akash Deb became his victim on the second day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Akash Deb, the hero of the Gabba Test, as he helped India avoid a follow-on in the third Test against Australia, was dismissed for a duck by Scott Boland in the third session of the second day in the ongoing fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). .

Read also: Watch: Virat Kohli’s blunder? Yashasvi Jaiswal runs out after a terrible shuffle at the MCG

Scott Boland removes Akash Deb as India stumble at 164/5 in the Boxing Day Test

The night watchman was unable to survive the heavy blow from the Australian player. Akash Deb tried to defend but got an inside edge on his thigh pad. The ball flew behind him towards the leg groove, where Nathan Lyon made a brilliant leap to catch the ball just inches from the ground to ensure Akash Deb’s dismissal.

Akash Deep returned to the pavilion without opening an account after facing 13 balls in the ongoing Boxing Day Test. It was India’s third quick wicket, as the tourists finished the second day at 164/5 at stumps against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket leads to India’s dramatic collapse against Australia in the Boxing Day Test

Meanwhile, India were in a strong position at 153 for 2, but a disastrous combination between Yashavi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) led to the young opening batsman being dismissed in the ongoing Boxing Day Test. By the end of the second day, India had slumped to 164 for 5, losing three wickets for just 13 runs in a dramatic collapse against Australia at the MCG.

Australia are in a strong position, looking to build a big lead and perhaps even bowl out India before they reach the follow-on mark of 275, which is still 111 runs away, in the ongoing fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Read also: Watch: Violent clash between Australian and Indian fans over Virat Kohli at the MCG

Earlier in the match, Virat Kohli looked confident from the start, showing good judgment in leaving balls outside and playing late. Jaiswal, on the other hand, hit a massive knock, and together they formed a 100-run partnership, bringing India back into the game.

India still 111 runs away to avoid follow-on in the Boxing Day Test

However, the momentum fell from India’s hands when Jaiswal was run out trying for a risky single. This may have affected Kohli, who quickly edged Scott Boland, as the outside channel once again destroyed the Indian batting icon at the MCG. After Akash’s wicket, India are now 310 runs behind and still need 111 more to avoid following on against Australia.

With the ongoing five-match Test series tied at 1-1 with two matches remaining, the contest is even. If Team India loses the ongoing MCG Test, it will severely impact their chances of reaching the 2023-2025 WTC Final, as their fate will be out of their hands.

On the other hand, if Australia lose, it will be a tough blow for them, as they have not won a Test series against India in over a decade. The pitch at the MCG is expected to provide plenty of bounce, and the seamers are likely to enjoy the conditions.