AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: Konstas, Labuschagne, Smith's Fifties Steer Aussies As Bumrah’s 3-Fer Keeps India In The Game

AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 Highlights [Source: @cricketcomau/x.com]

Australia wrapped up Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on a strong note at 311/6 after 86 overs. It was a day painted in shades of Aussie dominance, with debutant Sam Konstas stealing the show alongside steady fifties from Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide in bursts by picking up three big wickets to remind everyone why he’s the leader of the attack. It’s advantage Australia, but the battle is far from over.

Here’s the timeline of how AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 panned out in Melbourne-

AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: Sam Konstas Takes On Bumrah and Kohli

The Boxing Day Test at the MCG got off to an explosive start as Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first under a cloudy sky. India’s opening bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, were right on the money, swinging the ball miles and starting with maidens. But young debutant Sam Konstas had other plans, stealing the show with a fearless knock.

The morning began with Bumrah sending down unplayable deliveries, but Konstas, unfazed, decided to ramp things up. After missing an audacious scoop attempt off Bumrah and copping some choice words from the slip cordon—led by none other than Virat Kohli—Konstas responded in style. He reverse-scooped Bumrah for a sensational six, the first maximum Bumrah had conceded in four years of Test cricket.

Kohli wasn’t one to let it slide, exchanging heated words with the youngster, but Konstas didn’t flinch and racjed to his half-century in no time. 

Rohit Sharma, sensing the danger, went defensive after the first 12 overs. A few edges fell short, and Ravindra Jadeja eventually got the much-needed breakthrough by trapping Konstas lbw for a well-made 60.

Marnus Labuschagne came in and quickly found his rhythm against Jadeja as he smashed a couple of elegant boundaries. By Lunch, the Australians scored 112/1, with India clearly feeling the heat from Konstas’ heroics.

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AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: Labuschagne and Khawaja Steady the Ship

The post-lunch session saw Usman Khawaja and Labuschagne buid on the solid foundation. While they didn’t go for the kill, their steady partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers. Khawaja reached his half-century with a flurry of boundaries, while Labuschagne, in typical fashion, showed his stubborn side.

There were moments of humour as Siraj managed to hit Labuschagne on the box twice in consecutive deliveries, but the Queenslander soldiered on. And when it seemed like India were out of ideas, Bumrah returned to the attack and, with a rare loosener, dismissed Khawaja for 57, caught at short mid-wicket.

Despite the dismissal, Labuschagne continued to march towards his half-century as he weathered everything India threw at him. Washington Sundar was brought into the attack just before Tea, but the Australians remained unfazed, walking into the Tea break at 176/2 in 53 overs.

AUS vs IND 4th Test Day 1 Highlights: India Strike In Quick Succession But Smith, Cummins Hold Fort

India clawed their way back in the final session by snatching three quick wickets of Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, all for just 9 runs. 

But just as the visitors smelled blood, Steve Smith and Alex Carey stitched together a solid 50+ partnership to push Australia close to 300.

Akash Deep, who had been grinding hard all day, finally got his reward by nabbing Carey with the second new ball. Pat Cummins (8*) then held the fort alongside Smith (68*) to take Australia safely to Stumps at 311/6.

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