India's Virat Kohli, center, plays a defensive shot during the fourth day of the fourth cricket Test match between India and Australia in Ahmedabad. (AP)India vs Australia, 4th Test Day 4 Highlights: Virat Kohli finished his marathon innings at 186 runs, narrowly missing out on his 8th double century as he holed out to Marnus Labuschagne off Todd Murphy’s bowling. With an injury to Shreyas Iyer, Kohli was the last man to fall as India finished their innings at 571/9, establishing a lead of 91 runs against the Baggy Greens. At stumps on the fourth day, Australia were three for no loss in their second essay with Matthew Kuhnemann (0 batting) and Travis Head (3 batting) seeing through their six overs in the final session.
Earlier, Kohli struck his first Test century in more than three years as India reached 475 for five at tea on day four of the fourth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar trophy Kohli was unbeaten on 135 (291 balls; 10×4) alongside Axar Patel (38 not out; 75 balls, 3×4, 1×6). At the break, India trailed Australia by just eight runs
India will be looking to win this match and the series 3-1 series in order to qualify for the World Test Championship final. If they lose this match and Sri Lanka win their ongoing series against New Zealand 2-0 then the Lankans will qualify for the WTC final against Australia. In case India play a draw, and Sri Lanka fail to clean sweep the Kiwis, the WTC final will be between India and Australia in June at the Oval.
Our National Sports Editor Sandeep Dwivedi and senior writer Sriram Veera are covering the Test from the venue in Ahmedabad.
India
571 (178.5)Australia
480 (167.2) & 175/2 (78.1)India drew with Australia
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in action. (AP)
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. One you're set, it's easier to bat, the odd ball is turning and staying low, it's slightly difficult when you're new to the crease, but once you adjust, it's still easy to bat on this wicket
Shami is introduced and Head defends his first ball. The second ball is struck straight at Shami. Another dot. Head flicks and finally gets a single. Kuhnemann has to bat out the last two deliveries of the day. And ohhh!!! Almost nudged it to short leg. Just a little wide of Pujara. And it's stumps for the day. AUS 3/0, trail by 88 runs
Ashwin in to bowl what might be the penultimate over of the day. Back to back dots as Head is content to only defend. A single next and Kuhnemann also sticks to defending. Ohhhh!!! Almost. might have got an edge and it's hit the keeper's pads. Close, very close. AUS 2/0, trail by 89 runs
Jadeja in to bowl the 4th over and that hass hit Kuhnemann's bat's inside edge and rapped onto his pad. Huge shout for an LBW. Jadeja is interested by Rohit does not oblige. Nothing off this over either. AUS 1/0, trail by 90 runs
Head on strike again and Ashwin will bowl to him. Just 11 minutes of play left today. 3 dots from Ashwin. Another maiden from the wily veteran. AUS 1/0, trail by 90 runs
Ravindra Jadeja to bowl from the other end and that's 2 dots to start as Head navigates the spin, not going for big shots at the moment. Content to just see this day through. Just 1 from this over. AUS 1/0, trail by 90 runs
We are back for Australia's 2nd innings and here comes Travis Head and curiously, Matthew Kuhnemann. Ashwin will open the attack for India. Kuhnemann on strike and he defends expertly as it's 5 back to back dots for Ashwin. Maiden over. AUS 0/0 after 1 over, trail by 91 runs
And that's it!! A marathon innings ends as Virat Kohli drops the ante and tries to go high but is caught in the deep!! With no Shreyas Iyer, he is the last man to depart!! India end with 571 runs, lead by 91 runs.
Kohli goes for abig one and Handscomb ahs dropped him. That went hard and flat!!! The crowd held their collective breaths but the Aussie fielder couldn't grip the ball properly. IND 571/8, lead by 91 runs
Umesh Yadav gets a runout. India loses another wicket. With Shreyas Iyer not coming to bat this might be the last wicket Aussies have to pick. India's lead now is around the 90-run mark. With Kohli the last recognized batter and almost nearing 200 we might see some fireworks here. Shami is also no mug with the bat he might be looking to score some quick runs. India 570/8
Since the wicket of Axar Patel things has gone quite a bit. The batters are looking for singles that are available. Despite being the last recognized batting pair Australia is not looking to pick wickets as Shreyas Iyer is not available to bat Australia can clean the Indian batting quickly. However, they are looking to keep the scoring rate down and hoping the batters make mistakes like the one Axar did. The new ball is available will be interesting to see when Smith will take it. India 564/6
Axar Patel after a brilliant attacking 79-run knock falls trying to play a straight drive. The lead has gone past 70 runs now. A much-needed breakthrough for the Aussies. Starc finally gets his first wicket in the match. The second new ball is due in a couple of overs. It would be interesting to see if Smith takes it or operates with this one. The new ball may bring a few quick wickets but also get a few quick runs. Australia might be thinking that they cannot win this game from here. India 556/5
Axar Patel is now gone completely into T20 mode. He is smashing Mathew Kuhnemann all over the park. He is quickly moved into the 70s and will be eying to make his maiden Test ton. The crowd has come back to life in the last 10-15 minutes are so. The Australians are further going back into shells. This is what playing in India feels like when you are behind the game the panic sets in irrespective of how experienced player or captain you are. India 552/5
Axar Patel took a liking to the left-arm spinner of Mathew Kuhnemann. He stuck a hefty blow which centurion Virat Kohli and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Kuhenmann also tried to bowl a negative line outside the leg-stump which the umpire warned him for. India has been scoring over five runs an over this session. Smith is starting to look a bit puzzled with this approach as the first time in the game Indian batters are looking to score runs very quickly. India 530/5
This has been brilliant by Axar once again. He has been splendid with the bat throughout the series and today once again with the partnership with Kohli he is showing how valuable he is to this side. Both batters are now well set and in. The lead is almost 40. India might be considering the possibility of declaring today evening. However, for that, we need to see some fireworks for another 30-45 minutes. India 519/5
Kohli is now moving around the crease and trying to take on the attack. This is good thinking by Kohli as he is trying to score some quick runs here. Axar, on the other hand, is nearing his half-century he too might be looking to get into T20 mode after his landmark. Green since that over were Bharath hit him for 21 runs has not looked in a good rhythm today. Steve Smith has to be extremely cautious as the Indian lead may go up very quickly. India 508/5
Back-to-back boundaries for Kohli and now he crosses the 150-run mark. India's total has gone past 500 now. India lead Australia by 20 runs. (Indian are 500 for 5 after 164 overs)
Back-to-back boundaries for Kohli and now he crosses the 150-run mark. India's total has gone past 500 now. India lead Australia by 20 runs. (Indian are 500 for 5 after 164 overs)
The boundary brings the 100-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Axar Patel. A magnificent cover drive.
Axar Patel has been put down by Steve Smith at the slip. Turns and bounces away, feathers the outside edge and clipped past the glove of the keeper and goes behind. India lead Australia by 11 runs. (India are 491 for 5 after 168 overs)
Short and wide from Todd Murphy and Axar Patel rocks back, cuts it past deep backward point for a boundary. India lead Australia by six runs. (India are 486 for 5 after 162 overs)
Virat Kohli has now faced 300+ deliveries in this innings. Scores are level now. (India are 480 for 5 after 160.3 overs)
India trail Australia by four runs. (India are 566 for 5 after 160 overs)
Interesting first over post-tea from Nathan Lyon. Kohli starts with a two, then Lyon beats him with flight and turn. India trail Australia by five runs. (India are 475 for 5 after 159 overs)
Virat Kohli and Axar Patel march in. Nathan Lyon to operate with the ball in hand. India trail Australia by eight runs. (India are 472 for 5 after 158 overs)
Virat Kohli reached his 28th ton in the session. The one which will be remembered for a long time by him, Indian fans and the crowd in the Narendra Modi stadium. The game, on the other hand, seems to have gone forward quite well but not well enough for India to declare in the evening or overnight. Both the batters after the session would like to come and score some quick runs. Australians on the other hand had a bitter-sweet session. They were a few moments of panic when Bharath took Green apart and a few overs after Kohli's ton the momentum seemed to shift a bit. However, Smith's tactical smartness by bringing in the right changes at the right time meant that India could not run away from the game. We will be right after the tea break guys we have another promising session on the cards post-tea.
Mathew Kuhnemann has brought back control to the Aussies again. Things have started to slow down. India looked like they would get the lead in this session at one point however, seems like we have to wait till the post-tea session. The declaration for tonight seems not to be a possibility the way things have gone. However, we have to wait and see how things manifest in the evening. IND 464/5
The weather has gone a dark bit here. However, there is no rain around. Kohli and Axar continue to pile on runs. Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are bowling well keeping the batters at bay. Indian slowly is chipping away at the lead by the Aussies. Post tea we may be seeing some serious fireworks from the Indian batting. IND 456/5
Kohli and Axar have scored a 50-run partnership. This has come at a brisk rate compared to the previous partnerships. Lyon and Murphy have bowled long spells now. At some point in time, Smith has to change the bowlers and seems like now he has brought Matthew Kuhnemmann into the attack. The left-arm spinner bowling to left-hander Axar Patel the match-up is right to take on the bowler. IND 444/5
The Indians are scoring an odd boundary here and there. The message seems clear from the dugout during the drinks break to take more chances. Australian bowlers are now looking a bit tired. With WTC at stake, India will look for a good chunk of lead and then put Australia to bat again and try and bowl them out. The pitch is playing a few more tricks than yesterday however, nothing threatening. IND 436/5
Mitchell Starc is leaking runs here. He is drifting an oddball into the pads and the odd one outside the off-stump. Things are slowly drifting away from the Australians. Axar looks like he has got his eye in. Kohli too now will be looking to get into the act and score some quick runs. Nathan Lyon has bowled now over 50 overs however, his lines and lengths have been perfect. IND 419/5
Virat Kohli did not score a single boundary on the day. However, he scored two in a single Starc over. This is more like it by the Indian batters trying to put the pressure back on the Australian bowling. Australia's lead now has gone under the 70-run mark. India would be hoping to neutralize the score and attack even more in the evening session. IND 411/5
Things have slowed down again since the departure of KS Bharath. Axar Patel is looking to get his eye in. Kohli has just gone past his 100. He might be looking to score some quick runs. The onus is on Axar to do the same. Australia are trying to bowl a few maidens and pull the game back again. India cant afford that to happen as the game has already lost of time. IND 400/5
Kohli gets to his 28th Test match ton. This has been an inning of patience and determination. He showed his class and has shown why he is the best in the world. Now with the reaching his century, it is time to change gears. Axar Patel will be looking to score some quick runs and so will Kohli. India is in complete control of this Test match now. IND 400/5
KS Bharath trying to defend one with hard hands gets himself out. Simple catch for the short-leg fielder. After starting the session so well Bharath would be disappointed with his dismissal. He was looking good for a 70-80 run knock. On the other hand, Lyon reaping rewards for his hard work in the game so far. IND 393/5
Steve Smith after that expensive over from Green has brought Todd Murphy into attack from the other end. Kohli is 97 at the moment. He is one hit away from getting to his 28th Test ton. The intent of the Indians is quite clear. The crowd is chanting the name of Kohli. The momentum is all with India. For the first time in this game, the air seems to be in the direction of one side which is the home side. IND 392/4
Bharath has changed the gears. He is taking on Cameron Green. He has been watchful so far. However, seems like the message has been clear during the lunch break to take the bowling. This is good batting by the Indians. They are showing intent to score some quick runs. Australia's lead is now gone under 100. If India can score a few big overs like this Australia will be under immense pressure. IND 386/4
Virat Kohli is now moved into his 90s. Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green have taken the ball from either end. The run-rate continues to be slow. No sign of attacking intent by either of the batsmen whatsoever. The pitch is playing a few more tricks then yesterday however, nothing alarming at the moment. IND 366/4
With Virat Kohli nearing his century mark. We have another fascinating session on our hands. India would be hoping to score a few quick runs and get the lead over Australia's first-innings score. Australia on the other hand will be looking to pick a few quick Indian wickets and get a lead of some sort or try and choke the Indian scoring and push for a draw. The game still has all the results possible. IND 362/4
Ahmedabad doesn’t take pains to hide its Kohli fandom. Even while No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara waited on the pitch for the DRS review, the ‘Kohli, Kohli’ chants rose from the stands. They would get their wish as the ball projection showed that the Todd Murphy ball that Pujara missed would have hit the centre of the middle stump. If the crowd was expecting an authoritative start from the former Indian captain, they would have been disappointed.
Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 59 at the stumps on Saturday and added 29 more in the morning session to his overnight tally. For any game in India, this is one line that means so much to so many. For the broadcaster, it’s a reason to whip up a frenzy to bait the viewers to stay tuned. For the local organisers, it guarantees increased footfall. For the security agencies, it means a busy day and for the pav bhaji sellers outside the stadium, it’s a clear signal to order extra pavs.
And that does it. End of the session. 73 runs off 33 overs. One wicket. Virat Kohli (88* off 220) inching towards a first Test hundred in more than three years time as India close the first session at 362/4. KS Bharat (25 off 70). The hosts won't be bogged down with where they are as of now. To be honest, neither would Australia be as this match progresses towards a draw.
Keeper comes up for Green. The all-rounder with a short one, Kohli ducks, and Carey behind the stumps is unable to grab onto it. Four byes. Fifty partnership up between Kohli and Bharat. Up until today, India had never had a fifty or more run stand for each of their first four wickets against Australia. They have now had five of them in a row in this game. 359/4.
Australia working on preserving the shine on one side for the ball to reverse but there has been very little of that here, if any. Cameron Green comes in for the last set of overs ahead of the break. Two off his over. 348/4.
Interestingly, against left arm orthodox Matthew Kuhnemann, Bharat has altered his stance covering all three stumps to planting his foot at the leg. Maybe a bit of time in the middle has helped him. But it is crucial, especially with the left armer looking to get the outside edge. 346/4, India.
Not a lot has gone by in this game over the past hour or so but Australia have looked a bit slippery in the field. Overthrows. And now a regulation collect fumbled by Travis Head at mid off, not costing a run though. 343/4 as we move closer to Lunch.
Oh dear, overthrows. In attempt of averting a quick single, Australia give away two more. Thankfully for them, Mitchell Starc has sized up the long off boundary and attempted a last ditch successful dive to save a possible boundary. Nathan Lyon won't be happy with that at all. 338/4.
After a flurry of dot balls, Kohli shifts to the off stump a little to flick a Nathan Lyon over the wicket delivery in front of square on the on side for a double. It has happened with him in the 'Test hundred drought' where he has gone a tad too slow progressing near the triple figure score. Ending up putting more pressure on himself. Strike rotation has been a key element of his game and he needs to continue doing so.
Another maiden from Kuhnemann follows, 335/4.
On comes the third spinner, left arm orthodox Matthew Kuhnemann. Around the wicket to Kohli and he traps him on the pads. Had pitched outside leg and didn't come back in nearly so, no DRS that follows the appeal. A maiden for him to start with. 332/4, India.
Remember that front foot pose towards covers/mid off that Kohli has used ever since the 2018 tour of England, to avoid giving away an outside edge off swinging deliveries. He has used it off spinners as well in the recent past owing to his shortcomings against them and that is exactly what he's done in this innings with more distance between the two legs and the angular difference. Three runs come off the recent Todd Murphy over. 332/4.
What was that ball? Is that Nathan Lyon or his clone? A short one wide outside the off stump, rightly cut past point for four from KS Bharat. Thankfully we can confirm, it is Nathan Lyon. Given the regular tight line catered to off the next five deliveries. India, 329/4.
KS Bharat has marked his guard covering all three of the stumps. Tricky if you miss reading the line of ball. Todd Murphy hence, takes the over the wicket route to him. Against Kohli, who exposes his off and a bit of middle stump, round the wicket, to bring one in after pitching. To hope one explodes off the surface. Just the one off that latest over. 324/4.
"Virat Kohli likes to play with soft hands while KS Bharat holds the grip tighter," Dinesh Karthik analyses on air. The grip issue was further elucidated by Sunil Gavaskar as well in the lead up to the Test in his conversation with Indian Express' Sriram Veera. Read here.
Meanwhile, time for drinks break on the ground as we complete an hour into the first session. 323/4, India.
Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and KS Bharat so far have all approached Australia's leading wicket taker in the series differently. While Gill placed himself on the leg stump, you can see Kohli moving slightly towards the off and Bharat standing on the off, with a more aggressive intent against the off spinner.
Screengrab: Hotstar
It has been. Since that Jadeja dismissal. The one that left everyone including Virat Kohli at the non-striker's end bamboozled. Lyon and Murphy continuing from the two ends. Barring a KS Bharat maximum over deep midwicket, just three more runs in the four overs that have followed since Jadeja's departure. Another maiden from Murphy, 318/4.
Lyon with a flatter one that hits Kohli on his front pad off a leaning forward press. Australia appeal it wholeheartedly but cut down on a review. In the end, a good call as the ball tracker suggests impact is outside off. 309/4.
Shreyas Iyer complained of pain in his lower back following the third day's play?. He has gone for scans and the BCCI Medical Team is monitoring him.?
A reckless gift to Australia. Had looked itchy from the beginning of this over. "WHAT IS THIS SHOT," exclaims Sunil Gavaskar on air as the southpaw just hands the ball straight to mid on. Murphy gets the wicket.
Earlier, a maiden from Nathan Lyon was followed by Todd Murphy tossing up his first one from the other end. Out came the slash to the left of mid off for four. Another uppish shot later in the over with one that is flighted up but lucky for the southpaw, it is beyond the mid on's reach. Not by far, but beyond. India now four down for 309.
Another calm morning this. Spin thrown from both ends. Simultaneous with front foot blocks. Back foot adjustments. The slow air of a Test match in full flow. India in no hurry to get the runs on day four and we seem to be progressing towards the most ideal of results. A draw. 303/3.