The first phase of the second session will keep India in the game against Australia
Tags: India Tour Australia 2024-25, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024, Australia, India
Published on December 26, 2024.
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India showed great determination during a tough second session on Day 1 of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne as part of the ICC World Test Championship. Despite Australia getting off to a strong start, with Sam Constas wreaking havoc in the morning session, India’s bowlers adjusted their tactics after lunch, slowing the flow of runs and dismissing key batsman Usman Khawaja.
Indian bowlers are back
After lunch, India adopted a disciplined approach, controlling Australia’s scoring rate. Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah led the way with well thought out plans. Siraj picked up tight lines and employed a foot paper for Marnes Labuschagne, peppering short deliveries aimed at his body, and even hitting him on the leg on several occasions. This constant pressure ensured that Labuschagne could not dominate as usual.
Jasprit Bumrah continued his golden run in the series He dismissed Usman Khawaja, who scored 57 off 121 balls. Khawaja looked unsettled throughout the game but showed tenacity to help his daughter score a fifty in the series. However, his stay came to an abrupt end when he hit a short delivery from Bumrah straight to KL Rahul’s midwicket. The dismissal looked good, but it was a testament to Bumrah’s streak.
Labushagne holds the fort
Marnes Labuschagne has been a tough nut to crack for the Indian bowlers, and today was no different. Despite enduring many close calls, Labuschagne remained unbeaten at tea with 44 off 109 balls. He was joined by Steven Smith who bowled carefully to reach 10 runs. The pair will be crucial in the evening session as Australia build on their foundations.
Kohli-Konstas clash
The morning session was not without drama as Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Constas got into a midfield clash. The incident occurred after the 10th over when Kohli and Constas bumped shoulders, prompting an animated reaction from both players. While reviewing the footage, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that Kohli may have triggered the collision by hitting into Constas’s path.
While such tense moments are part of tough Test cricket, it has raised questions about whether the clash can be avoided. For now, it adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating match.
Bumrah’s dominance in the series
With Khawaja’s dismissal, Bumrah has now taken 22 wickets in seven innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. His pace was unrelenting, he showed incredible skill and character. Despite being targeted by Constas in the first session, Bumrah remained undeterred, creating opportunities for breakthroughs at regular intervals.
Final thoughts
As tea was called, Australia stood at 164/3 after 59 overs. With Labuschagne and Smith in contention, the hosts are in a stable position but far from dominant. India, on the other hand, will take heart in their ability to disrupt Australia’s progress and will look to continue their disciplined bowling in the final session.
The Melbourne Test promises plenty of drama, talent and battles—both between the ball and the minds—as the day unfolds.
