Pat Cummins reveals why Australia did not declare on Day 4

Australia went 2-1 up with an 184-run win in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on December 30 (Monday). Skipper Pat Cummins led the way with both bat and ball,l scoring 90 and picking up six wickets in the match. 

While he was right up there as an all-rounder, there were some questions asked whether he should have declared in the latter stages of day 4 to have a crack at the Indian batters.  Cummins allowed the last wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, adding 61, batting a few overs into day 5 as well.

So why didn't Cummins declare earlier? 

"We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation [on batting on and not declaring]. We had plenty of runs to play with and as many helmets around the bat as we could," Cummins said at the post-match presentation.

Cummins, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, also said that this is one of the best Tests he has been a part of. "What an amazing Test match, I reckon one of the best I've been part of. All week, the crowd has been ridiculous, and it's been amazing to be part of," he said.

He also lauded Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith for their vital contributions with the bat. Labuschagne scored twin 70s, while Smith slammed his 34th Test ton in the first innings to set up the platform.

"Marnus helped me out in that second innings big time, happy to contribute. Amazing innings from Steve, winning the toss, it wasn't easy on the first day, to get up to high 400s was terrific," Cummins said.

Cummins, who has never been a part of a Test series win over India, now has a chance to change that. However, India will hope to win in Sydney and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.