Tags: India's tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia v India, 4th Test in Melbourne, 26-30. December 2024,
Australia,
India
Published: December 26, 2024
Australia's top-order batsmen found their groove on Boxing Day, ensuring the hosts took top honors in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen took advantage of a solid pitch and their first series win, the hosts posted an incredible 311/6. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith laid the foundations, although the Indian bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
A scintillating debut from Sam Konstas
Australia's decision to debut 19-year-old Sam Konstas was a masterstroke. Tasked to take on Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas displayed a brave stroke play, disrupting India's bowling plans. The debutant got off to a shaky start, getting beaten by Bumrah several times, but his fearless approach soon paid dividends. Konstas launched a series of reverse balls, hitting boundaries and even a six off Bumrah – his first in Tests since 2021.
Constas brought up a brilliant half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia's second-youngest Test half-centurion. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before he was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja to smash an opening stand of 89 runs.
Mid-range grit
With Konstas setting the scene, Khawaja and Labuschagne built on the platform with constant contributions. Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his first half-century while Labuschagne continued his prolific run with a well-built 72. The duo withstood a disciplined spell from Akash Deep and Bumrah, who kept the strike rate in check during a subdued second session.
India's persistence paid off when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, prompting a clumsy move to midwicket. The dismissal brought Steve Smith into the fold and he, along with Labuschagne, used the aging ball to rebuild the innings.
Bumrah's Late Burst
India came back into the game in the last session. Washington Sundar took Labuschagne with a crisp catch from Virat Kohli and Bumrah followed it up with a double. He hit Travis Head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to leave Australia reeling at 246/5.
Smith's resilience, however, proved critical. The experienced batsman showed his mastery with controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith found an able partner in Alex Careyand their 53-run partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell to the Akash Deep under the lights. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, leading Australia to stumps alongside captain Pat Cummins.
Indian Bocce Battle
Despite conceding 311 runs, the Indian bowlers put in a spirited display. Bumrah was an outstanding performer with figures of 3-75, including crucial late wickets. Akash Deep, though wicketless for most of the day, bowled tirelessly and earned his scalp of Carey.
The day ended with Australia slightly ahead, but with the pitch offering some help to the bowlers and India's batting depth, the Test remains finely balanced.
Short results:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs India
This enthralling contest promises more twists and turns as both teams battle for supremacy in this crucial test.