Australia got off to a strong start on Boxing Day.
Tags: India Tour Australia 2024-25, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024, Australia, India
Published on December 26, 2024.
Score Card | Comment | Graphs
Australia’s top-order batting found its rhythm on Boxing Day, ensuring the hosts secured early glory in the fourth Border-Gavakar Trophy Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The hosts posted a formidable 311/6 on a day when the Australian batsmen capitalized on a strong pitch and claimed the first wicket of the series. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith laid the foundations, although the Indian bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
A wonderful debut by Sam Constance
Australia’s decision to debut 19-year-old Sam Konstas was brilliant. Tasked with countering Jasprit Bumrah, Constance displayed a brave stroke play that disrupted India’s bowling plans. The start started off slow, with Bumrah getting hit several times, but his fearless approach soon paid dividends. Constas unleashed a series of reverse balls, scored boundaries and even got a six off Bumrah – his first in Tests since 2021.
Constas brought up his half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-century captain. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before Ravindra Jadeja was caught LBW to break his 89-run opening stand.
Medium-order Grit
As Constance sets the stage, Khawaja and Labuschagne built on the platform. With regular contributions. Khawaja, after a quiet series of pressure, scored his first half-century, Labuschagne continued his good run with a well-composed 72. Second period lost.
India’s persistence paid off when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, pulling a miscue to midwicket. The dismissal brought Steve Smith into the fray, and he, along with Labuschagne, rebuilt the innings using the aging ball.
Bumrah’s late blast
India came back into the game in the last session. Washington caught Sundar Labuschagne in a sharp catch against Virat Kohli, and Bumrah followed up with a double strike. Travis took the head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to leave Australia reeling at 246/5.
Smith’s resilience, however, proved crucial. The experienced batsman showed his mastery especially with a controlled attack on Jadeja. Smith found a good partner in Alex CareyAnd their 53-run partnership steadied the ship before Kerry fell to Akash Deep under lights. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, leading Australia to a tie with captain Pat Cummins.
Indian bowlers war
Despite scoring 311 runs, the Indian bowlers put up a spirited display. Bumrah was a standout player with figures of 3-75, including crucial late wickets. Akash Deep, despite being wicketless for most of the day, bowled tirelessly and ultimately deserved Kerry’s scalp.
The day ended a bit early for Australia, but with the pitch providing some help to the bowlers and India’s batting depth, the Test remained fairly balanced.
Summary Results:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnes Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) India
This thrilling contest promises to provide plenty of twists and turns as both teams battle it out for the upper hand in this crucial challenge.
