MELBOURNE: Australia’s top order rediscovered its form during the festive season, propelling the hosts to early dominance on Boxing Day in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Winning their first toss of the series, the Australians posted a solid 311/6 at stumps, thanks to half-centuries from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith.
Although the first three missed out on converting their starts into centuries, their contributions proved critical.
For India, Jasprit Bumrah’s late double strike and Akash Deep’s tireless spells kept the visitors in contention.
The highlight of the day was the fearless debut performance of 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
Tasked with neutralising Bumrah’s dominance over Australia’s top three, Konstas dazzled the Melbourne crowd with bold stroke-play.
Despite a nervous start—missing four deliveries in Bumrah’s opening over—Konstas found his rhythm, connecting with three audacious reverse scoops in the seventh over, including a six, breaking Bumrah’s perfect record since 2021.
The young opener reached a scintillating half-century off 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-centurion.
His knock of 60, featuring six boundaries and two sixes, ended when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW, but not before he set the stage for a strong Australian innings.
Khawaja and Labuschagne capitalised on Konstas’s foundation, putting together steady partnerships against a disciplined Indian attack.
Though India initially struggled with softer balls and a lack of pace off the wicket, their persistence paid off as Bumrah removed Khawaja for 51, his fifth dismissal of the left-hander in the series.
Australia’s two premier batters, Smith and Labuschagne, joined forces, adding 61 runs in the final session.
Smith showcased his intent by stepping out to loft Jadeja, while Labuschagne dealt with deliveries jagging back from Siraj.
However, Labuschagne’s aggression led to his downfall, holing out to Virat Kohli at mid-off off Washington Sundar.
Australia faltered from 237 for 2 to 246 for 5 as Bumrah delivered a vintage spell with the old ball.
He bowled Travis Head for a duck and had Mitchell Marsh caught behind for 4, swinging the momentum momentarily back in India’s favour.
Alex Carey contributed a valuable 31, forming a crucial 53-run partnership with Smith before falling to Deep under the floodlights with the second new ball.
Smith remained unbeaten on 68, navigating the challenging final overs alongside Pat Cummins.
As Day 1 ended, Australia held the advantage, but India’s resilience hinted at an intriguing contest ahead.
