India and Australia Battle for Glory in 4th Test: Australia showcased a strong start on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, reaching 176/2 at the Tea break. Usman Khawaja scored a determined half-century before being dismissed for 57, while debutant Sam Konstas dazzled with an aggressive 65-ball 60. Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 44, steadying the innings further.
India and Australia Battle for Glory in 4th Test
The morning session saw fireworks as 19-year-old Konstas announced himself on the big stage. Displaying an audacious mix of innovation and aggression, he reverse-scooped and powered his way past India’s bowlers. His fearless approach unsettled Jasprit Bumrah, who conceded a rare six for the first time since the Sydney Test in 2021. Konstas raced to his maiden Test fifty in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-centurion. His innings, featuring eight boundaries, ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW, but not before he laid the foundation for a solid opening partnership of 89 runs with Khawaja.
India and Australia Battle for Glory in 4th Test Khawaja anchored the innings after Konstas’ dismissal, patiently reaching his half-century before falling to Jasprit Bumrah in an unexpected manner. A mistimed shot off a short ball on his hips found the fielder at mid-wicket, bringing an end to his knock of 57.
The post-lunch session saw India tighten their lines and restrict the scoring rate. Bumrah and Akash Deep bowled consecutive maidens, creating half-chances that failed to carry to the slip cordon. Khawaja and Labuschagne, however, weathered the storm before the former’s untimely departure.
India and Australia Battle for Glory in 4th Test
Labuschagne faced a testing spell from Mohammed Siraj, enduring a couple of painful blows, but remained composed. He worked the singles and crept closer to his half-century, ensuring Australia maintained control.
Earlier, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made some bold changes to the playing XI, including the surprise inclusion of Washington Sundar. While the visitors managed to pull things back in the second session, the hosts remained firmly in command on a festive first day of the Test.
Brief Scores: Australia 176/2 (Sam Konstas 60, Usman Khawaja 57, Marnus Labuschagne 44*; Ravindra Jadeja 1-33) vs India
India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 LIVE Updates: Washington Sundar Strikes to Dismiss Labuschagne for 72
Washington Sundar turned out to be a game-changer for India, breaking a crucial partnership by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, who had scored a well-compiled 72. Australia is three wickets down, with Steve Smith now joined by Travis Head at the crease. The hosts are in a solid position but will rely on Smith and Head to build a strong partnership to consolidate their innings.
India, on the other hand, is eager to take quick wickets to regain momentum. Earlier, India made a surprising change to their playing XI, with skipper Rohit Sharma opting to drop Shubman Gill. In his place, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar was brought into the side.
India and Australia Battle for Glory in 4th Test Playing XIs:
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
Stay tuned for live updates from the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25, straight from the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
