India vs Australia 4th Test Day1: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja played key roles for Australia on Day 1 of the 4th Test each scoring fifties to help the team reach 311/6 at stumps.Stay tuned for more updates.
Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and Australia at the MCG was packed with drama and exciting moments. Australia finished the day at 311/6, thanks to solid performances from Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and debutant Sam Konstas. However, the day took an unexpected turn when Travis Head was sent back for his first-ever international duck, thanks to a brilliant delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s 3-wicket haul gave India a much-needed fightback, keeping them in the game. With Australia in a strong position, Day 2 promises to be an intriguing battle.
Bumrah Shines as India Fights Back in Melbourne
Jasprit Bumrah showcased his skill once again, leading India’s fightback on Day 1 of the 4th Test against Australia in Melbourne. The hosts ended the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at 311/6, with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and debutant Sam Konstas all scoring vital half-centuries. Despite Australia’s steady progress, Bumrah’s 3/75 kept India in the contest, setting the stage for an intriguing second day at the MCG.
Travis Head Dismissed for First International Duck against India
Travis Head’s solid run came to a halt on Day 1 of the 4th Test against India at the MCG, as he was dismissed for a duck—his first-ever in international cricket. The Australian batsman, known for his aggressive style, was caught off guard by a superb delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pacer, maintaining his sharp line and length, induced an edge from Head, sending him back to the pavilion without scoring.
This early dismissal was a crucial breakthrough for India, as Bumrah continued to lead the charge with his fiery spell.
India vs Australia 4th Test Day1 Highlights:Konstas Impresses on Debut as Australia Sets Strong Foundation on Day 1
The 19-year-old Sam Konstas made a remarkable debut in international cricket, scoring a quick-fire 60 off 65 balls. His impressive knock helped Australia build a solid opening partnership, adding 89 runs with Usman Khawaja in just 19.2 overs. This strong start put the hosts in a commanding position at the end of Day 1.
India made a single change to their lineup, bringing in all-rounder Washington Sundar for Shubman Gill, following the drawn result in the previous Test at The Gabba. Ahead of the match, Rohit Sharma confirmed that he would open the batting, with KL Rahul expected to move to the No. 3 spot.
Thrilling Day 1 at MCG: Australia Holds Narrow Advantage Heading into Day 2
What a captivating and entertaining Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test it was! Two cricketing giants, facing off in front of more than 87,000 passionate fans at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground – it truly doesn’t get better than this.
At stumps, Australia will be the happier side, having posted 311/6, but they are not entirely in control. While their batsmen, including Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and debutant Sam Konstas, contributed valuable runs, the wicket showed signs of becoming increasingly challenging. India, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/75, will be confident of making early breakthroughs on Day 2 to keep their hopes alive.
Australia will aim to push past 400 runs to build a commanding first-innings total, while India’s task will be to bowl them out quickly and stay in the game. The action resumes on Friday, 27 December, at 5 am IST, with plenty to play for as both teams fight for control.
Australia Dominates Early, But India Fights Back in the Middle Session
Australia took control of the first session, even as India managed a breakthrough with Ravindra Jadeja dismissing debutant Sam Konstas for a well-played 60. However, it was in the second session that the momentum shifted. Despite Khawaja’s solid half-century, he fell to a poor shot, and India began to tighten the screws, slowing the scoring rate and gaining crucial momentum.
The day began with a calm start from India’s pace duo, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but things quickly heated up when Usman Khawaja struck his first boundary off Siraj. The young debutant, Sam Konstas, wasn’t intimidated by the occasion or the Indian bowlers. He attacked, taking on Bumrah with confidence, even hitting a reverse-lap six off the pacer—a momentous achievement, as Bumrah had conceded his first six in 4,484 balls of Test cricket.
As Day 1 of the 4th Test at the MCG concludes, Australia holds a slight edge with 311/6 on the board, thanks to solid contributions from Labuschagne, Smith, Khawaja, and debutant Konstas. India, led by Bumrah’s fiery spell, managed to restrict the hosts after an early onslaught. With both teams showing resilience, Day 2 promises to be an exciting contest, with India aiming to break through Australia’s lower order, while the hosts will look to build a strong total. The battle is far from over, and the momentum could swing either way.
