Melbourne, Dec 26 — Australia seized the advantage on the first day of the fourth Test in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, finishing at 311/6 against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Konstas Impresses on Debut
Nineteen-year-old debutant Sam Konstas made a memorable start to his Test career, scoring a fluent 60 off 65 balls. He put on an impressive 89-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja, who contributed 57 runs to the Australian innings.
Konstas showcased fearless batting, hitting two sixes and six fours. Notably, both his sixes came against India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, marking the first time Bumrah conceded a six in Test cricket since January 2021, when Cameron Green achieved the feat.
Heated Exchange with Kohli
Konstas also made headlines for a verbal altercation with Virat Kohli during his innings, following a minor physical clash, adding spice to the intense rivalry between the two teams.
The incident took place shortly after the 10th over of the morning session when Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas brushed shoulders while crossing the pitch between overs.
The brief collision quickly escalated into a verbal exchange, but Konstas’ opening partner Usman Khawaja and on-field umpire Michael Gough promptly intervened to diffuse the situation.
Commenting on the incident during the live broadcast on Channel 7, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting remarked, “Have a look at where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind, whatsoever.”
“Have a look where Virat walks. Virat’s walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever.”
– Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Strong Batting Performance
Marnus Labuschagne anchored the innings with 72 runs, while Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 68. Khawaja and Labuschagne put on a 65-run partnership for the second wicket, followed by an 83-run stand between Labuschagne and Smith.
However, Travis Head failed to contribute, falling for a duck after misjudging a delivery from Bumrah that crashed into his stumps. Mitchell Marsh also struggled, managing just 4 runs.
Wicket-keeper Alex Carey added 31 runs before being dismissed, while captain Pat Cummins remained unbeaten on 8 runs at stumps.
Indian Bowling Efforts
Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling attack, claiming 3 wickets for 75 runs. Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar took a wicket each as they toiled hard to contain Australia’s batting lineup.
With Australia holding the upper hand after Day 1, India will look to make early inroads on Day 2 to claw their way back into the contest. The fourth Test is crucial, with the series locked at 1-1, adding further excitement to this gripping rivalry.
