The 4th Test of the Border-Gavaskar series has taken an interesting turn as the Indian batters showed a brilliant batting display and got a lead of 91 runs over the Australian team. The day belonged to former Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Axar Patel. Kohli was in tremendous touch as he smashed his 28th Test century after a long gap of 3 years.
On the other hand, Axar also batted beautifully and played brilliant innings of 79 runs, which included 5 fours and 4 sixes. Notably, Axar Patel is the only Indian batter who remained consistent throughout the series. He couldn’t perform well with the ball but showed his batting ability against the Australian bowlers. He also talked about this knock after stumps on Day 4.
“I am feeling good to have contributed with the bat. I've had the confidence to go after ones that I can hit, the talk in the 1st Test is what I'm following and I'm gaining a bit of information about my ability with the bat. I had no set role (when asked if he was told to score quickly), just wanted to make as many runs as possible, bat along with the ball not doing a lot.” Axar was quoted as saying by Star Sports.
Shreyas Iyer didn't come to bat
Meanwhile, the day started with Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja taking on Australian bowlers. However, the latter was soon dismissed. KS Bharat then joined Kohli and took off a lot of pressure from him. He took on Cameron Green for back-to-back sixes in a 21-run over that got India going.
But the innings fizzled out quickly with the last four wickets falling for 16 runs, Shreyas Iyer didn't come out to bat due to injury. Usman Khawaja too didn't open the batting for Australia as he picked up an injury while trying to stop an Axar’s six. Australia are still 88 runs behind while batting in their second innings. India will hope for some quick turn and bounce out of the rough patches on Day 5.
Here’s how fans reacted to fourth day's play:
Bhai ye Bharat kitni catch chhodega
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) March 12, 2023
Benstokes smith😠 pic.twitter.com/bdEbYOIbBh
— Aditya Ray (@Adityar16433534) March 12, 2023
Game heading for a boring draw🥱🥱
— C H E E K U (@CHEEKUzFAN) March 12, 2023
Real Star of the day pic.twitter.com/VspIwtAo7y
— MS Dhoni (@legendDhoni07) March 12, 2023
Do bar catch chhod diya🫠
— Rashıd Khan (@R4HULS11N9H) March 12, 2023
We Missed Iyer.
— Oliver Twist (@OliverM250806) March 12, 2023
Kohli missed his 200.
Ashwin missed the shot for six to get out.
I don’t know how ks Bharath going to keep at overseas condition if he can’t keep here.
— unknown user (@tamilan_jr) March 12, 2023
Chances of Aussies win NIL
— Vincent. (@VinciJ6) March 12, 2023
Draw ..less likely
India winning... possible.
Goat🐐 pic.twitter.com/Ila3mbwT8K
— ICT FAN (@CoronaOp4) March 12, 2023