Tags: 2024-25 Australia India Tour, Australia vs India, 4th Test in Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024, Australia, India
Posted on: December 26, 2024
Scorecard | Commentary | graph
Australia’s top batting got its rhythm back on Boxing Day, giving the hosts an early win in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen took advantage of solid pitches and won the first toss of the series, the hosts posted a massive 311/6. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith laid the foundation, but India’s bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
Sam Konstas’ sparkling debut
Australia’s decision to debut 19-year-old Sam Konstas was a masterstroke. Tasked with taking on Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas disrupted the Indian bowling plans with his bold strokeplay. The debutant started tentatively, losing several times to Bumrah, but his courageous approach soon paid dividends. Konstas produced a series of reverse scoops, scoring boundaries and even a six off Bumrah. This is the first time it has been tested since 2021.
Konstas hit a brilliant half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-centurion. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW to break the 89-run opening stand.
medium grit
As Konstas prepares for the stage Khawaja and Labuschagne build on the platform With consistent contributions. Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his first half-century while Labuschagne continued to score prolifically with a well-sorted 72. The duo withstood disciplined spells from Akash Deep and Bumrah, who kept the scoring rate in check during the match. The second session calmed down.
India’s persistence paid off when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56 to midwicket, mistimed. The dismissal left Steve Smith in the lurch and he, along with Labuschagne, rebuilt the innings by taking advantage of the aging ball.
Bumrah’s late burst
India came back into the game in the final session. Washington Sundar caught Labuschagne with a sharp catch off Virat Kohli and Bumrah followed with a double strike. He bowled Travis Head and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to take Australia to a raucous 246/5.
But Smith’s resilience was invaluable. The seasoned batsman displayed his mastery through controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith found a capable partner in Alex Carey.And their 53-run partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell into the Akash Deep under the lights. Smith remained unbeaten on 68 and led Australia to stumps alongside captain Pat Cummins.
Indian bowlers battle
Despite conceding 311 runs, India’s bowlers showed liveliness. Bumrah was a standout performer with figures of 3-75, including an important late wicket. Akash Deep was wicketless all day but bowled tirelessly and eventually deserved Carey’s scalp.
The Test was well-balanced that day, with Australia slightly ahead but the pitch being somewhat conducive to the bowlers and India’s batting.
Brief score:
australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs India
This exciting contest promises more twists and turns as both teams compete for supremacy in this pivotal test.