Melbourne: India staged a strong recovery on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test, concluding the day with Australia at 311/6. The visitors made significant strides in the match after half-centuries from Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja.
After the Tea break, Australia resumed their innings at 176/2, bolstered by solid performances from openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then built a vital partnership of 83 runs. Labuschagne was dismissed for 59, caught by Virat Kohli off the bowling of Washington Sundar, leaving Australia at 237/3.
Australia's innings stumbled as they lost two quick wickets to Jasprit Bumrah. Travis Head was bowled for a duck on his seventh ball, and Mitchell Marsh was caught behind for just 4 runs, bringing Australia down to 246/5.
Despite these challenges, the seasoned duo of Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey mounted a counteroffensive. Smith ended the day unbeaten on 68, hitting five boundaries and a six, while Carey added a quick 31 off 41 balls before being dismissed by Akash Deep with the second new ball.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India's leading bowler, finishing with figures of 3/75. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar each took one wicket, while Akash Deep secured the final wicket of the day.
The opening session of the Boxing Day Test on Thursday was dominated by debutant Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old showcased fearless cricket at the MCG, providing Australia with an early edge in the series.
Konstas and Khawaja opened the innings for Australia, establishing a solid partnership of 89 runs that provided a much-needed sense of relief for the home team.
The Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, found it challenging to secure a breakthrough during the first session, as the Australian openers continued to enhance their partnership.
Konstas exhibited remarkable composure, taking on the formidable Bumrah without hesitation. It was hard to believe that the 19-year-old was making his international debut, as he played an aggressive innings, scoring 60 runs off 65 balls.
Australia resumed the second session at 112/1, with Khawaja and Labuschagne at the crease. The duo formed a vital partnership of 65 runs, putting the hosts in a commanding position.
During the second session, Australia added 64 runs to their total. The visitors improved their bowling performance, although they managed to claim only one wicket.
In the 34th over, Khawaja struck a boundary between second slip and gully to reach his half-century.
However, in the 45th over, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 57 runs off 121 balls, marking the fifth time Bumrah has taken Khawaja's wicket in the current series.
Brief score: Australia 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steven Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3/75) vs India.
