Australia dominated the opening day of the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne, thanks to a brilliant display from teenage debutant Sam Konstas and a solid return to form from veteran Steve Smith.
After being put in to bat by captain Pat Cummins, Australia finished the day at 311/6, with Smith unbeaten on 68 and Cummins at the crease on 8.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah showed his class by picking up three key wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Travis Head for a duck, but Australia's top order made good progress. Alongside Smith, Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Usman Khawaja (57) each found their rhythm, contributing to a strong team total by the close of play.
The day was highlighted by a captivating debut performance from 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Despite a nervous start, Konstas played with flair, blasting India’s bowlers around the MCG, including a fiery exchange with Virat Kohli mid-pitch.
His aggression and confidence grew as his innings progressed, and he reached his half-century off just 52 balls. Konstas eventually fell for 60 when he was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja (1/54) just before lunch, leaving Australia at 112/1.
Khawaja's solid innings came to an end in the middle session when he mis-hit a pull shot off Bumrah and was caught by KL Rahul at mid-wicket. At tea, Australia was 176/2, looking in control, but Bumrah struck again, taking three quick wickets and reducing Australia to 246/5.
Akash Deep (1/59) joined the party after the new ball was taken, dismissing Alex Carey (31) to further halt Australia’s momentum. With India fighting back, the day ended with some hope for the visitors as they look to capitalize on Australia’s late collapse.
India made one surprising change to their lineup, dropping Shubman Gill and promoting Rohit Sharma to No. 3. Washington Sundar replaced Gill, coming in at No. 7 to provide an additional spin option.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
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