Australia 311/6, Fifties from Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, and strong hitting by Konstas showcase dominance, Bumrah’s fightback adds excitement to Boxing Day
Day 1 Summary: Australia vs India, 4th Test
Toss:
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first.
Session 1:
Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas, impressed everyone with a brilliant maiden fifty on his Test debut. Facing India’s top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Konstas showed great skill and composure. Opening alongside Usman Khawaja, the duo built a solid partnership of 89 runs off 116 balls. Konstas played some outstanding shots, including a remarkable one against Bumrah. However, he was dismissed LBW by Ravindra Jadeja after scoring 60 runs from 65 balls.
After Konstas’ departure, Marnus Labuschagne joined Khawaja at the crease. Together, they kept the momentum going. By the end of the first session, Australia had scored 112 runs for the loss of just one wicket. Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 38, while Labuschagne was on 12.
Session 2:
Australia continued their strong performance in the second session. Khawaja and Labuschagne displayed great patience and skill, adding 65 runs off 150 balls. Khawaja completed his half-century but was eventually dismissed for 57 runs, caught by KL Rahul off Bumrah’s bowling. This was Australia’s second wicket, falling at 154 runs.
Steve Smith then joined Labuschagne and stabilized the innings. By the end of the second session, Australia had reached 176/2. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 44, while Smith was on 10. Bumrah picked up one wicket in this session.
Session 3:
The third session began steadily for Australia, with Labuschagne and Smith building an 83-run partnership. Labuschagne brought up his fifty, while Smith showcased his class with a well-played 42. However, Washington Sundar broke the partnership, dismissing Labuschagne for 72 off 145 balls.
Jasprit Bumrah struck shortly after, sending Travis Head back to the pavilion for a duck. Mitchell Marsh also fell cheaply, scoring just 4 runs, as Bumrah took his third wicket of the innings. Australia found themselves under pressure at 246/5.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey then steadied the innings with a crucial 53-run partnership off 80 balls. Carey played responsibly, scoring 31 runs before being dismissed by Akash Deep. At the close of play, Australia was at 311/6, with Smith unbeaten on 68 and captain Pat Cummins on 8.
Day 1 Highlights:
- Australia: 311/6
- Key Performers:
- Steve Smith: 68*
- Sam Konstas: 60 (debut)
- Usman Khawaja: 57
- Labuschagne: 72
- India Bowling:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 3 wickets
- Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar: 1 wicket each
Scorecard of Day 1
Australia (1st Innings)
| Sam Konstas | 60(65) |
| Usman Khawaja | 57(121) |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 72(145) |
| Steven Smith | 68*(111) |
| Travis Head | 0(7) |
| Mitchell Marsh | 4(13) |
| Alex Carey | 31(41) |
| Pat Cummins(c) | 8*(17) |
| Extras | 11(lb7, nb4) |
| Total | 311/6 |
Conclusion:
The day belonged to both teams, with Australia’s batsmen showing resilience and India’s bowlers making a strong comeback in the final session.
Will India make a comeback on Day 2, or will Australia give India a high score to chase? Share your thoughts in the comment box below. Stay tuned for more updates!
