In the fourth and final Test against India in Ahmedabad, Australia’s interim captain Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bat. The touring team fielded an unchanged side, while India, who were ahead 2-1 in the series, made one alteration to their lineup, resting Mohammed Siraj and bringing in Mohammed Shami as his replacement.
India’s victory in the game is crucial if they want to qualify for the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June, where Australia has already secured a spot.
The ball nipped back in and kept a bit low, causing Labuschagne to get caught in the crease as he attempted to drive through the off-side. As a result, he got a thick inside edge which ricocheted onto the stumps, producing a sweet sound that made the crowd in Ahmedabad erupt in joy. Chopped on!
Earlier, Head’s attempt to take on Ashwin resulted in a miscued shot towards mid-on, which Jadeja comfortably caught while moving to his left. The drinks break seemed to have worked its magic, as it often does.
Although Head was dropped earlier in the day by Bharat, the keeper would still be pleased to have caught this one as it sent Head back to the pavilion. This dismissal also marked the end of the highest opening partnership that Australia had managed in this series. Caught by Jadeja!