A Marnus Labuschagne half-century and stubborn tail-end batting drove Australia to a 333-run lead at the end of day four in the fourth test in Melbourne on Sunday, leaving India facing a record chase to steal victory.

Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah unleashed more destructive bowling but Australia stubbornly battled back to reach 228-9 on Sunday, leading by 333 runs in an absorbing fourth Test.

Australia, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their recent experience of defending a target on the final day, having dismissed India for just 234 in the fourth innings during the ICC World Test Championship Final at The Oval in 2023. The team will look to build on that confidence when the match resumes.