Former cricketer Atul Wassan described India's 184-run loss to Australia in the fourth Test as a "reality check." The match was part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
"How can you undermine Australia? On the last tour, you did a good job. It doesn't happen like this that you go there (Australia) and win every time. I think we had an overestimation of our team and we got a reality check," Wassan told ANI.
India's significant defeat contrasts sharply with their previous tour of Australia. They had secured a 2-1 series victory during that tour.
This time, Australia hold a 2-1 lead. The final Test is scheduled to begin in Sydney on Friday.
Australia's commanding victory in Melbourne significantly hampered India's chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's.
Australia set a challenging target of 340 runs for India on the final day. India were unable to achieve this target, being bowled out for 155 in the 80th over. The Australian bowlers delivered some compelling spells, contributing to India's collapse.
Although the game was decided by small margins, Australia dominated India in all aspects of the game. India's first innings struggles at the MCG were followed by a more resilient second innings performance.
India's pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, put Australia under pressure, reducing them to 91/6. However, dropped catches and missed opportunities allowed Australia to recover.
India's hopes of limiting Australia's lead to 250 runs diminished. Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland's 61-run partnership further solidified Australia's advantage. This partnership ultimately set a 340-run target for India.
India's batting lineup struggled to cope with the Australian bowling attack, resulting in their substantial defeat. This loss puts India in a precarious position for the remainder of the series and raises concerns about their qualification for the World Test Championship final.
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