4th Test: Top-order batsmen shine with fifties as Australia posts 311/6 despite Bumrah's 3-75 (Lead)

Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) Day one of the Boxing Day Test truly met expectations as Australia’s top four batsmen achieved fifties of different styles and assisted the hosts in reaching 311/6 in 86 overs at the conclusion of Day 1 against India. For the visitors, it was Jasprit Bumrah who shone once again, recording figures of 3-75.

However, Bumrah had a rocky start, thanks to the young Sam Konstas, who exhibited the boldness of youth by unleashing his ramp shots and taking on the formidable Bumrah in a way that few expected. Although Konstas’ exhilarating innings ended at 60, he received a standing ovation from 87,242 fans. Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68 not out) ensured Australia finished Day 1 in a commanding position.

The achievement of four Australian batters scoring fifties at this historic venue marks the first instance for the hosts since the Rawalpindi Test during their 2022 tour of Pakistan. The first 1.5 hours of play were dominated by debutant Konstas, who became Australia’s fourth-youngest men's Test player, delivering one of the most spectacular debut performances in a Boxing Day Test.

Entering the eleven in place of Nathan McSweeney, Konstas faced Bumrah four times in his initial encounters and struggled against him, even failing in attempts to ramp him over the keeper’s head.

Yet, Konstas relentlessly aimed to unsettle Bumrah and India, showcasing a collection of scoops, reverse-scoops, and powerful shots in an innings filled with four fours and two sixes.

He formed an opening partnership of 89 runs with Usman Khawaja, which is now the highest opening stand for Australia in this series. Konstas’ aggressive approach against Bumrah allowed Khawaja to play more freely, showcasing a more fluent version of himself throughout the series.

Konstas’ audacious display began in the seventh over when he shuffled across to scoop Bumrah for four, followed by reverse ramping for six and four in a 14-run over, marking the first time since 2021 that a batsman struck Bumrah for a maximum in Tests. The impact of Konstas’ thrilling innings prompted India to reposition their third slip to deep third man.

After cutting Mohammed Siraj for four past backward point, Konstas had a brief exchange with Virat Kohli after they collided. That tactic of trying to intimidate Konstas backfired as the youngster dominated Bumrah with two fours and a six, ultimately reaching a well-deserved fifty.

After pulling Siraj for a stylish four, Konstas survived a close lbw appeal against Ravindra Jadeja. Nevertheless, the left-arm spinner triumphed in his next over, darting one in and trapping Konstas plumb lbw for 60 off 65 balls, as he exited to a standing ovation, validating the selection committee’s gamble led by George Bailey in choosing him for this crucial Test match.

Following this, Labuschagne appeared at ease, striking two boundaries off Jadeja, but he and Khawaja played cautiously, with the first four overs after lunch being maidens. Khawaja eventually broke the deadlock with a fierce pull off Akash Deep for four.

Just like in Brisbane, Akash troubled both Australian batsmen, consistently beating them but failing to secure any wickets. This meant Khawaja, despite a shaky start, remained solid by driving Akash past mid-on before edging a thick outside edge to complete his first fifty of the series.

With a leg slip in place, Labuschagne faced some tight bowling from Siraj, who angled deliveries towards his body and even struck him multiple times, although he managed to hit two boundaries.

India found a reason to cheer when Bumrah’s seemingly harmless short ball led to Khawaja toe-ending a pull straight to mid-wicket, falling for 57 off 121 balls. Labuschagne and Smith each took a four off Jadeja and Washington Sundar, concluding a session where Australia only managed 64 runs.

After tea, India experienced some joy as they claimed four wickets, including three in just 23 balls – two of which were taken by Bumrah, who ended the day with 3-75. However, Smith’s determined effort, highlighted by five fours and a six, ensured Australia surpassed the 300-mark.

The final session commenced with Labuschagne striking two boundaries off Jadeja, reaching his second half-century of the series off 114 balls. From the other end, Smith was using his footwork effectively, accumulating three boundaries collectively off Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

However, post the first drinks break, Labuschagne danced down the pitch, aiming to hit over Sundar’s head, but ended up giving a simple catch to mid-off, falling for 72 and concluding his 83-run partnership with Smith. Bumrah returned to bowl a back of the length delivery that sharply nipped back into Travis Head, who was caught off guard and hit the top of off-stump.

Bumrah then had Mitchell Marsh pulling a short ball behind to keeper Rishabh Pant, moving to his right. Akash was finally rewarded for his persistence when he got one to rear up at Alex Carey from round the wicket, forcing the batter to nick behind to Pant and ending a 53-run stand for the sixth wicket. Amidst the tumult, Smith stood firm, achieving his 42nd half-century in Tests.

His tenth fifty-plus score at this iconic venue was pivotal in ensuring he and Pat Cummins (eight not out) guided Australia to stumps on a day that was entirely theirs. With the second new ball having been in play for six overs, India will be looking to make early breakthroughs on Friday to halt Australia’s pursuit of reaching 400.

Brief Scores: Australia 311/6 in 86 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75, Washington Sundar 1-37) against India