Tags: India tour of Australia 2024-25, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, 26-30 December 2024, Australia, India
Published on: December 26, 2024
Scorecard | Comment | Charts
Australia’s top-order batting found its rhythm on Boxing Day, ensuring the hosts took early honors in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen took advantage of a solid pitch and recorded their first win of the series, the hosts posted a massive 311/6. The contributions of Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith laid the foundation, although India’s bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
A brilliant debut by Sam Constas
Australia’s decision to make 19-year-old Sam Konstas’ debut was a masterstroke. Tasked with taking on Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showed a bold style of play, disrupting India’s bowling plans. The newcomer started tentatively, having been beaten several times by Bumrah, but his fearless approach soon paid off. Konstas unleashed a series of reverse scoops, scoring boundaries and even a six off Bumrah – his first in Tests since 2021.
Konstas made a scintillating half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-century. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before he was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja to break an 89-run opening stand.
Medium system gravel
With Constas setting the stage, Al Khawaja and Labuschagne were built on the platform With consistent contributions, Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his maiden half-century, while Labuschagne continued his prolific run with 72 points. The duo overcame a disciplined spell from Akash Deb and Bumrah, who kept the scoring rate under control during the second session with relief.
India’s persistence paid off when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, resulting in an ill-timed pull to midwicket. The dismissal pushed Steve Smith to the crease, and he, along with Labuschagne, took advantage of the old ball to rebuild the innings.
Late Bumrah explosion
India got back into the game in the final session. Washington Sundar caught Labuschagne with a sharp catch to Virat Kohli, and Bumrah followed it up with a double. He bowled Travis Head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to leave Australia reeling at 246/5.
However, Smith’s flexibility proved crucial. The veteran batsman showed his mastery with controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith found a capable partner in Alex Careyand their 53-year partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell to Akash Depp in the spotlight. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, leading Australia to stumps alongside captain Pat Cummins.
Bowling battle in india
Despite conceding 311 runs, the Indian bowlers put up a spirited show. Bumrah was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 75, including a crucial late wicket. Akash Deb, although he was indifferent for most of the day, bowled tirelessly and deserved the scalp of Carey in the end.
The day ended with Australia slightly ahead, but with the pitch offering some help to the bowlers and India’s batting depth, the Test remains well balanced.
Summary scores:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs. India
This exciting contest promises more twists and turns as the two teams compete for supremacy in this pivotal test.
