NEW DELHI: Hosts Australia will be pleased with their batting performance on the opening day of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. Riding on half-centuries from their top-order batters, the hosts closed the day on a commanding 311 for six against India in front of a packed MCG crowd.
The day saw contributions from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, alongside high drama featuring Virat Kohli and fiery spells from Jasprit Bumrah late in the day.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Test
Debutant Konstas’s pyrotechnic entry
Australia’s selection of Sam Konstas for the final two matches of the series proved a masterstroke as the 19-year-old showcased his fearless approach. Despite a few nervous moments early on, Konstas found his rhythm, delivering an entertaining 60 off 65 balls on debut.
Konstas went after India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, forcing the visitors onto the back foot in the first session. His innings featured a mix of inventive scoops, audacious pulls, and unrefined slogs, setting the tone for Australia’s innings.
Trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja after the second drinks break, Konstas walked off to massive cheers, having recorded the third quickest half-century (52 balls) by an Australian debutant. His explosive innings propelled Australia to 112 for one at lunch.
Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas shoulder bump
The opening session was marked by high drama when India’s Virat Kohli shoulder-bumped Konstas during a heated moment. The incident, which occurred as Konstas walked to chat with Usman Khawaja between overs, required umpire Michael Gough to intervene.
The Melbourne crowd booed Kohli, while former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, on commentary for Seven Network, labeled him the instigator. Whether the International Cricket Council will take action remains unclear, though physical contact during play can result in severe penalties.
Top-order clicked for Australia
Australia’s top-order delivered their most cohesive performance of the series, with half-centuries from Konstas (60), Khawaja (57 off 121), Labuschagne (72 off 145), and Smith (68 off 111). The consistent contributions helped them overcome the loss of in-form Travis Head for a duck and maintain control throughout the day.
Substantial partnerships were key, with the openers adding 89 runs, followed by a 65-run stand between Khawaja and Labuschagne. Labuschagne then paired with Smith for a solid 83-run partnership before his dismissal.
Bumrah’s strong comeback
Jasprit Bumrah redeemed himself after being taken apart by Konstas in the first session. The speedster struck in the second session, removing Khawaja, and returned in the final session with a fiery spell that saw him dismiss Head and Mitchell Marsh.
Bumrah ended the day with figures of three for 75 from 21 overs. Akash Deep also chipped in, dismissing Alex Carey (31) late in the day, helping India claw back with four wickets in the final session.
Ahead of the crucial decond day, Australia hold the advantage, but India’s bowlers have shown they can fight back in crucial moments. The stage is set for another enthralling day of cricket at the MCG.
