Australia is experiencing festive spirit with a strong start to Boxing Day
Tags: India tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, March 26-30 December 2024,
Australia,
India
Published on: December 26, 2024
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Australia’s top-class batting line-up found its rhythm on Boxing Day and ensured the hosts took early honors in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen benefited from solid pitching and their first toss win of the series, the hosts posted an impressive score of 311/6. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith laid the foundation, but India’s bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
A sparkling debut from Sam Konstas
Australia’s decision to field 19-year-old Sam Konstas as a debutant was a masterstroke. Tasked with countering Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas displayed audacious strokeplay that thwarted the Indians’ bowling plans. The debutant started slowly and was beaten several times by Bumrah, but his fearless approach soon paid off. Konstas unleashed a series of reverse scoops, scored boundaries and even a six against Bumrah – his first in Tests since 2021.
Konstas scored 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 Ravindra Jadeja caught him lbw and broke an opening stand of 89 runs.
Medium order grain size
While Konstas sets the stage, Khawaja and Labuschagne built on the platform with constant contributions. Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his maiden half-century while Labuschagne continued his productive run with a well-composed 72. The duo survived a disciplined spell from Akash Deep and Bumrah, who kept the scoring rate under control during a subdued second session.
India’s persistence bore fruit as Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, which resulted in an ill-timed move to mid-wicket. The dismissal brought Steve Smith to the crease and he, along with Labuschagne, used an aging ball to rebuild the innings.
Bumrah’s late outburst
India came back into the game in the last session. Washington Sundar provided Labuschagne with a sharp catch off Virat Kohli and Bumrah followed up with a double. He bowled Travis Head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply, leaving Australia reeling at 246/5.
However, Smith’s resilience proved crucial. The veteran batsman showcased his mettle with controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith found a capable partner in Alex Careyand their 53-year partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell under lights into Akash Deep. Smith remained unbeaten in 68 minutes, leading Australia to stumps alongside captain Pat Cummins.
India’s Bowlers Battle
Despite conceding 311 runs, India’s bowlers put in a spirited performance. Bumrah was the standout performer with figures of 3-75, including crucial late wickets. Despite being wicketless for most of the day, Akash Deep bowled tirelessly and eventually earned the win over Carey.
The day ended with Australia slightly ahead, but with the pitch offering some support to the bowlers and India’s batting depth, the Test remained well balanced.
Short results:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs India
This exciting competition promises more twists and turns as both teams fight for supremacy in this crucial test.
