Watch: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli shocked as 'Lucky' Marnus Labuschagne escapes dismissal at MCG

Veteran Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were left shocked when Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne narrowly escaped dismissal in the second innings. Marnus Labuschagne's luck saved him despite being close to being out during the fourth day of the match, leaving the Indian players stunned.

India was bowled out for 369 runs in the first session on Saturday, December 29. The visiting team added 11 runs to their overnight total, giving Australia a 105-run lead in the first innings. Centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy was dismissed for 114 by Nathan Lyon, while Mohammed Siraj remained unbeaten on 4.

Jasprit Bumrah Dismantles Australia's Middle Order in Second Session

In the morning session, openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja were dismissed cheaply. Bumrah dismissed Konstas for 8, and Siraj celebrated by silencing his critics after removing Khawaja. Labuschagne and Steve Smith formed a 37-run partnership for the third wicket before Siraj took the wicket of Smith.

Smith had to walk back to the dressing room after scoring 13 runs. Bumrah then dismantled Australia's middle order by removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in just 11 deliveries. Head was dismissed for 1, Marsh for a duck, and Carey was bowled for 2, leaving Australia struggling at 91/6.

Watch: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Shocked As Lucky Marnus Labuschagne Escapes Dismissal

The incident took place on the second ball of the 46th over in Australia's second innings. Marnus Labuschagne defended the delivery from Akash Deep near his feet, but the ball spun back and bounced over the stumps, narrowly missing. Virat Kohli went to the ground, holding his head in disbelief and Rohit was shocked.

Have a look at the incident right here:

How on earth did this miss the stumps 😱 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xNzxru6akb

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024

Earlier, Marnus had a lucky escape when a regulation catch was dropped by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully. Labuschagne played an awkward shot off a back-of-a-length delivery from Akash Deep and guided it straight to gully. It was a straightforward chance, coming at a good height, but Jaiswal failed to hold on.

It Would Be One of the Miracles off the Canvas - Kerry O'Keeffe

Former Australian spinner Kerry O'Keeffe said that India might be on the brink of something special, drawing comparisons to their remarkable 2020/21 series victory. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied 1-1, O'Keeffe believes the series is on a similar trajectory.

“Something is cooking here. This is the way 2020 transpired. They drew a game in Sydney and knocked Australia out on the last day of the series to win it, and I think they’re cooking the same stuff here,” O’Keeffe told Fox Cricket’s Test Daily.

“If they can escape with a draw – they could even win – then it would be one of the miracles off the canvas recoveries that cricket has seen.”

“The boxing analogy is valid, this has been a fantastic bout,” O’Keeffe said. “It was captivating, it was traditional test cricket, there was not the unconventional we saw from Sam Konstas on day one. It was gripping … this is great theatre.”

Also read: Watch: Jasprit Bumrah castles Alex Carey with a peach on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test