India clawed their way back into contention with four late wickets to leave Australia on 311 for six at stumps on the opening day of the fourth Test. Teenage debutant Sam Konstas stole the show earlier with a scintillating innings that electrified the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, December 26.
A bumper Boxing Day crowd of 87,242 witnessed high drama in sweltering heat, including a fiery moment between Virat Kohli and the 19-year-old Greek Australian batter. Konstas, who had already thrilled fans by taking India’s bowlers to task, brushed off a shoulder bump from Kohli to post a brisk 60 from 65 balls.
“It was quite surreal, obviously, with the big crowd—the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in—and I feel like the boys welcomed me,” Konstas said of his debut.
“So just playing with that freedom and backing myself, and lucky to get a few runs today. Obviously, a bit disappointed with the way I got out, but hopefully we get a bit of momentum for tomorrow.”
Australia’s top order justified captain Pat Cummins’ decision to bat first, with Konstas leading the charge alongside opener Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. But Jasprit Bumrah kept India in the contest, dismissing Travis Head for a duck and Mitchell Marsh for four late in the day. Akash Deep added to India’s resurgence, removing Alex Carey after a brisk 53-run stand with Steve Smith.
Smith remained unbeaten on 68, joined by Cummins on eight at the close, but Australia’s early dominance was tempered by a middle-order wobble.
Konstas captivates crowd
Konstas, replacing the dropped Nathan McSweeney, embraced a fearless “see ball, hit ball” approach in his maiden Test innings.
Though initially tested by Bumrah, who beat his bat four times in the first over, Konstas roared to life with a series of audacious strokes, including a four, a six, and another boundary off consecutive deliveries in Bumrah’s fourth over.
India’s players initially sniggered when the young batter misjudged a pair of ramp shots but were soon silenced by his aggressive counterattacks. Konstas raced to a 50 off 52 balls, the third-fastest by an Australian Test debutant, trailing only Adam Gilchrist and Ashton Agar.
Konstas also weathered verbal barbs from Mohammed Siraj, responding by charging down the wicket to take the bowler for three runs. Even after Siraj struck him with a delivery, Konstas recovered to extend his stay for another six overs before being trapped by Ravindra Jadeja.
India strike back
Despite Australia cruising at 150 for one, India regained control in the final session.
Khawaja’s solid 57 ended when he pulled Bumrah straight to KL Rahul, and Labuschagne, who looked set for a drought-breaking century, fell for 72 attempting to loft Washington Sundar over mid-off.
Bumrah and Deep combined to ensure India stayed in the game, removing three batters for just nine runs during a pivotal spell.
The fourth Test promises further intrigue, with Australia’s hopes pinned on Smith and Cummins to build a competitive total, while India’s bowlers will look to press home their late-day resurgence.
Source: The Advertiser
