Total attendance for this test has reached almost 300,000 with one day to go and each of those viewers witnessed a thrilling test, with the seesaw action on day four adding even more excitement.

Australia will be the luckier side on the final day as their lead was just 196 when the sixth wicket fell.

Labuschagne’s half-century was the backbone of their recovery, Cummins again providing runs when it mattered most, while Lyon and Boland were key.

Mohammed Siraj, who was excellent with his 3-66, dropped Lyon in his follow-up after which Australia’s lead was 279.

The final pair of wickets seemed comfortable towards the end of the day as the bowlers tired and batted together for more than an hour on a pitch that had previously offered plenty of uneven bounce.

Boland, who finished with 10 points without an out, hit a four-pointer to take the lead after 300 points, while Lyon hit five four-pointers in his 41-pointer without an out.

Their efforts ensured that India needed the highest successful fourth innings chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to win.

The previous record, England’s 332-7, dates back to 1928, while no side has won more than 231 since 1962 – although Australia may well have had India’s epic comeback of 328 at the Gabba on their last tour in mind when making the delay.

A draw would mean a winner-takes-all decision in Sydney next week, but it would mean India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final are no longer in their hands.

Australia needs to win the series outright to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while India only needs to draw as defending champions.