India Dominates Day One of Fourth Test as World Test Championship Final Spot Within Reach

India seized control of the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, posting an impressive 347/4 at stumps on day one. The commanding performance puts the visitors in an excellent position to clinch the series 3-1 and secure their spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord's this June.

Virat Kohli returned to form with a masterful unbeaten 127, his first century in Australian conditions since 2018. The former captain looked composed and confident throughout his innings, striking 14 boundaries and showcasing the technique that has made him one of the modern game's greatest batsmen. "It feels incredible to contribute meaningfully to the team's success here," Kohli said after play. "Australia has always been a special place for me to play cricket, and to perform when it matters most is satisfying."

Kohli found an able partner in young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant, who remained unbeaten on 89 at the close of play. Pant's aggressive approach complemented Kohli's patience perfectly, as the pair added 178 runs for the fourth wicket in just 38 overs. Pant's innings included some audacious shots against the Australian pace attack, including a stunning reverse sweep for six off Pat Cummins that drew gasps from the MCG crowd.

The day began poorly for India when they lost both openers with just 45 runs on the board. However, a crucial 67-run partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara and Kohli steadied the innings before Pant's arrival changed the momentum completely. Australian captain Pat Cummins rotated his bowlers regularly but struggled to find the right combination to break the Kohli-Pant partnership on a pitch that offered minimal assistance to the seamers.

With the World Test Championship final qualification hanging in the balance, India knows that avoiding defeat in this match will guarantee their place at Lord's. Australia, meanwhile, must win to keep their hopes alive and force a dramatic final day of qualification calculations. Weather forecasts suggest clear conditions for the remaining four days, setting up what could be a thrilling conclusion to one of cricket's most competitive series in recent memory.