India's WTC Hopes Dented as Australia Wins 4th Test

India's chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final have taken a significant hit after losing the fourth Test against Australia by a massive 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Indians, who were handed a run rate that offered an extract, faltered to reach the five-wicket target, recording 155 in 79.1 overs.

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored an impressive 84-run innings, while Rishabh Pant added 30 to the Indian total, but it wasn't enough to breach the Australian defenses. Pat Cummins took three crucial wickets for Australia, as India succumbed to a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The win has propelled Australia into second place in the WTC standings, while India now occupies third place.

India will now need to record a win in the final Test against Australia in Sydney and hope that the Australian team loses both of its matches to Sri Lanka if they are to make it to the WTC final. Meanwhile, South Africa has almost secured its spot in the WTC final by beating Pakistan, leaving India to face a colossal challenge to book a place in the coveted competition.

In a fiery finale to the Melbourne Test, Travis Head and Sam Konstas put on an impressive cameo, taking Australia's total to an impressive 143 for the 6th wicket partnership!

The Indian cricket team now has an uphill task ahead, with the weight of expectations placed squarely on its shoulders. India will aim to revive its hopes in the New Year, but the wheels have been put in motion, and the pressure is mounting. As the cricket world waits with bated breath, the fortunes of Team India will be closely watched to see if they can indeed defy the odds and make it to the WTC final.