By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Pace dynamo Jasprit Bumrah blitzed Australia's middle order in a thrilling three-wicket burst on Sunday to turn the fourth test on its head and give India some hope of pulling off an unlikely 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.

In a Boxing Day clash energised by next-gen talent, India's rookie all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy celebrated a stirring, maiden century on Saturday to give the visitors hope of saving the fourth test against Australia.

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) -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.

Australia took control of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne despite a sensational spell from Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday. The hosts were staring down the barrel at 91-6 and the lead not even past 200 before some sloppy fielding by India and remarkable determination from Australia's lower order took them to 228-9 by stumps on day four.

Destructive Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah scythed through Australia's middle order Sunday, leaving the hosts 135-6 in their second innings, a lead of 240 runs in the fourth Test. Australia remain in the stronger position at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after leading by 105 runs on the first innings,