Day 1 of the fourth Intermediate Test Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) took place in typical Boxing Day Test fashion, with both teams battling it out in the big contests.
After Australia won the toss and elected to bat, they set a competitive totalespecially guided by a strong knock from Steve Smith (68 not out) is an important contribution from the first Konstas himself (60) is Marnus Labuschagne (72).
Jasprit Bumrah was India's wicket-taker, claiming three vital scalps, but Australia's middle order, plus Alex Carey (31) is Pat Cummins (8 not out), ensured that the innings did not fall, providing a stable foundation. At the end of the game, Australia did a little better, but the Indian bowlers showed some fighting displays, especially towards the end of the innings.
Sam Konstas sets the tone with his first performance
Konstas became known as Australia's best all-rounder, producing memorable Test runs in which he made 60 from 65 matches. His innings, with powerful shots and gentleness, was instrumental in laying the foundation for Australia's innings. In particular, had a brief spat with Virat Kohliintensifying the already heated competition. However, Konstas brushed aside the controversy and continued to maintain his composure, guiding the team to a strong position. His union is Usman Khawaja it helped to maintain stability, especially against India's respectable bowling attack.
Usman Khawaja sets up Australia's innings
Khawaja played a vital role, anchoring Australia's innings with a well-built 57 off 121 balls. His partnership with Konstas was the key to Australia's early success, providing a great deal of stability against India's fiery threat. Khawaja's innings was marked by controlled aggression, punishing loose deliveries while showing solid defense against Jasprit Bumrah's pace. His departure from Bumrah in the second over brought Australia's innings close to a critical stage, but his contribution ensured that the team was well placed at the time.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith keep Australia motivated
After Khawaja departed, Labuschagne continued, scoring a patient 72 off 145 balls. His innings added another vital partnership with Khawaja before he fell. Washington Sundarwho became well known to India. Labuschagne's dismissal allowed Smith to rebuild Australia's innings, maintaining his consistent form. His contribution was crucial in guiding Australia to the 300-mark, ensuring that they did not lose steam despite the setbacks.
Smith looked brilliant, reaching 68 off 111 balls before the end. His innings was filled with confidence and determination, especially after the loss of Labuschagne and Khawaja. Smith's ability to adapt to the rigors of the MCG was on display as he played some crucial shots, including six brilliant minutes. Mohammed Siraj. Despite India's onslaught, Smith's composure and composure helped stabilize the innings, preventing Australia from losing.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma warns Marnus Labuschagne for running on pitch on Day 1 of AUS vs IND 4th Test
Indian batting led by Jasprit Bumrah
Carey provided the necessary support and brought 31 from 41, especially after being dismissed early on Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head to the duck. Carey's ability to round the bat and hit the boundary helped to keep the score, although his dismissal of Akash Deep backfired. Cummins remained unbeaten at 8* as Australia closed the day on 311/6. The total puts India in a difficult position, requiring them to give a strong response in the remaining days of the Test.
While Australia finished the day with a narrow lead, the Indian batsmen, led by Bumrah, showed batting and determination. Bumrah's three wickets helped stem Australia's progress, and Washington SundarLabuschagne's success signaled success in the following stages. Rohit Sharmas men will need to continue their efforts, especially to stop Australia's lead in the first innings and respond strongly with the bat.
Here's how Twitter did it:
This should be one of the most exciting mornings for Test cricketers. He played one of the most famous games, took down the world's best athlete and is busy signing autographs and clicking selfies before the lunch break. Sam Konstas you beautiful #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/wjzRQH8Vxi
– Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 26, 2024
This is one of the most impressive trials Sam Konstas has seen in centuries. He does not turn back to anyone; big or small.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 26, 2024
I really like Sam Konstas.. 👀👀👀
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 26, 2024
Sam Konstas scored 34 against Jasprit Bumrah – this is Bumrah's highest score in Test cricket. I'm shaken
– Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) December 26, 2024
All I see with Sam Konstas is fearlessness & borderline stupidity. But that's what Australia wanted. I wanted someone to meet Jasprit Bumrah in some way.
– Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024
A bad day for Jasprit Bumrah is still better than a good day for most chefs.
– Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 26, 2024
The thing about great players is that they find ways to force their way back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah has just shown us, once again, why he is great.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 26, 2024
How does Bumrah celebrate the dismissal of Australian big man Travis Head? No high-profile celebration, no angry dispatches, only smiles. Kids learn, choose your examples wisely. #INDVAUS
– Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 26, 2024
Who is Jasprit Bumrah? To the blind, he is the light. It is bread for the hungry. For the sick, he is the cure. For the lonely, he has them. Sadly, he is happy. For a prisoner, he is free. For the poor, he is wealth. To me, he is everything.
— Alaska (@alaskawhines) December 26, 2024
Day 1, Stumps
Australia: 311/6
Steve Smith: 68*
Marnus Labuschagne: 72#Cricket #AUSWIN #SteveSmith #BorderGavaskarTrophy #INDVAUS pic.twitter.com/gs6U6K9Z3H– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2024