Tags: India tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia vs India, 4th Test at Melbourne, Dec 26-30, 2024,
Australia,
India
Published on: Dec 26, 2024
Scorecard
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Australia’s top-order batting found its rhythm on Boxing Day, ensuring the hosts claimed early honors in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen capitalized on a solid pitch and their first toss win of the series, the hosts posted a formidable 311/6. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith laid the foundation, though India’s bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
A Sparkling Debut by Sam Konstas
Australia’s decision to debut 19-year-old Sam Konstas was a masterstroke. Tasked with countering Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas displayed audacious strokeplay, disrupting the Indian bowling plans. The debutant started tentatively, beaten multiple times by Bumrah, but his fearless approach soon paid dividends. Konstas unleashed a series of reverse scoops, scoring boundaries and even a six off Bumrah—his first in Tests since 2021.
Konstas brought up a scintillating half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-centurion. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW to break an 89-run opening stand.
Middle-Order Grit
With Konstas setting the stage, Khawaja and Labuschagne built on the platform with steady contributions. Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his first half-century, while Labuschagne continued his prolific run with a well-compiled 72. The duo weathered a disciplined spell from Akash Deep and Bumrah, who kept the scoring rate in check during a subdued second session.
India’s persistence bore fruit when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, inducing a mistimed pull to midwicket. The dismissal brought Steve Smith to the crease, and he, alongside Labuschagne, took advantage of an aging ball to rebuild the innings.
Bumrah’s Late Burst
India clawed back into the game in the final session. Washington Sundar accounted for Labuschagne with a sharp catch to Virat Kohli, and Bumrah followed up with a double strike. He bowled Travis Head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to leave Australia teetering at 246/5.
Smith’s resilience, however, proved critical. The seasoned batter showcased his mastery with controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith found an able partner in Alex Carey, and their 53-run partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell to Akash Deep under lights. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, guiding Australia to stumps alongside captain Pat Cummins.
India’s Bowlers Battle
Despite conceding 311 runs, India’s bowlers put up a spirited display. Bumrah was the standout performer with figures of 3-75, including crucial late wickets. Akash Deep, though wicketless for much of the day, bowled tirelessly and deserved his eventual scalp of Carey.
The day ended with Australia slightly ahead, but with the pitch offering some assistance to the bowlers and India’s batting depth, the Test remains finely balanced.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs India
This enthralling contest promises more twists and turns as both teams vie for supremacy in this pivotal Test.