AUS vs IND, 4th Test Day 1: Top 3 moments from Boxing Day clash at MCG

AUS vs IND, 4th Test Day 1: Top 3 moments from Boxing Day clash at MCG. (Photo Source: Disney+ Hotstar)

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a full day of some explosive batting and impressive bowling. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the hosts got off to a firm start, with debutant Sam Konstas leading the charge.

The 19-year-old’s approach was evident as he took on India’s ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, hitting him for three boundaries in one over on two occasions. Konstas’ quick-fire 60 off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes, put the team at the top earlier in the day before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over.

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne then formed a solid partnership, adding 65 runs, before Khawaja fell for 57 off 121 balls. Labuschagne and Steve Smith continued the carnage with an 87-run stand, though Labuschagne’s 72 off 145 balls came to an end, putting the Baggy Greens at 237/2. However, later in the day, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh were dismissed cheaply to Bumrah, and Alex Carey was also sent packing by Akash Deep.

Australia finished the day at 311/6, with Smith (68*) and captain Pat Cummins (8*) remaining at the crease. Bumrah’s three wickets were the highlight of India’s bowling effort, although they were unable to stop Australia’s solid batting performance, which saw contributions from top-four batters.

Here are the top moments from Boxing Day Test, Day 1:

3. Debutant Konstas takes on Jasprit Bumrah:

Sam Konstas. (Photo Source: Daniel Pockett – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

In front of a packed MCG, debutant Sam Konstas took the risk of charging against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Not bothered by missing two reverse scoops earlier, the 19-year-old in the seventh over, pulled off consecutive shots, a ramp for four, and a reverse scoop for six, making him the first batter in nearly four years to hit Bumrah for a maximum in Test cricket. Bumrah’s streak, spanning 4,483 deliveries, was last broken in 2021 by Cameron Green.

Konstas didn’t stop there. He reverse-scooped Bumrah for another six and a four in the same over, forcing India to move a slip fielder to deep third. Konstas also reached his fifty in just 52 balls, which eventually became the fastest half-century by an Australian on debut, and fifth-fastest overall.

2. Australia’s top four fire, Travis Head falls for duck:

Travis Head. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah displayed his brilliance in the final session of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, delivering an inswinger to dismiss the in-form Travis Head for a duck. The left-hander, who walked in at No. 5, misjudged Bumrah’s line and lengths, leaving a gap for the ball to crash into the off stump. This dismissal was a crucial moment in the day’s play, as Head had been a consistent troublemaker for India throughout the series.

Meanwhile, Australia’s top four batters put in a strong performance. Young opener Sam Konstas led the charge with an aggressive 60 off 65 balls, hammering six boundaries and two sixes. Usman Khawaja played a patient knock, scoring 57 off 121 balls to bring up his first half-century of the series. Furthermore, Marnus Labuschagne walked back after adding 72 runs, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68, taking the hosts to a commanding position.

1. Konstas’ shoulder bump with Kohli:

Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Disney+ Hotstar)

The Boxing Day Test’s spotlight moment came when Virat Kohli had a mid-pitch altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas. During the first session after the 10th over, the two players bumped shoulders while switching ends.

Kohli, seemingly irritated by Konstas’ aggressive approach that frustrated the Indian bowlers, deliberately walked into the teenager’s path, triggering a heated exchange of words. Usman Khawaja, and umpire Michael Gough, stepped in at the right time to defuse the situation. After the end of the day’s play, the Indian batter received a fine of 20% of his match fee and one demerit point for his actions.