Australia reach 311/6 on day 1 of 4th test v India as a new star is born

 



The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne between India & Australia offered a textbook display of Test cricket, keeping the 87,000-strong crowd on their toes. The first day ended with Australia at 311 for 6, with Steve Smith battling hard to keep India at bay.


Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. The pitch offered some assistance to the bowlers early on, but 19 year old young batter Sam Constas started his debut innings brilliantly. Facing Jasprit Bumrah, who had been a menace throughout the series, the 19-year-old launched a counterattack, unsettling the Indian bowling lineup. Constas smashed a quickfire half-century off just 52 balls before falling to Ravindra Jadeja after scoring 60 off 65 balls. His onnings was studded with glorious  lap shots & authentic drives as he rattled the Indian bowling . He also picked up a clash with Virat Kohli when the Indian batter had a shoulder collision with him as he was moving at the other end after the completion of an over . Let Kohli who looked more at fault was penalised 20% of his match fees and given 1 demerit point. At the other end, Usman Khawaja played a composed knock of 57 before Bumrah dismissed him off a mistimed pull. Khawaja till then was looking good for a 100 and was timing his shots well . 


India struggled to capitalize even after sending the openers back, as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith built a solid 83-run partnership. Labuschagne, who looked set for a big score, was dismissed by Washington Sundar for 72 as he stepped out to drive and was caught by Kohli at midoff . Australia stood strong at 237 for 3 at that point.


However, the Indian bowlers clawed their way back into the game in the final session. Travis Head, who had troubled India throughout the series, was removed for a duck by Bumrah as he left a delivery . Mitchell Marsh’s poor run continued as he fell for just 4. Despite these setbacks, Alex Carey joined Smith to take Australia close to the 300-run mark. Akashdeep finally removed Carey (31) , but Smith remained resolute, ending the day unbeaten on 68.


India, holding a ball just six overs old, will aim to wrap up the Australian innings quickly on Day 2. However, dismissing Smith early will be crucial if they hope to make a strong comeback in the match.


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