Melbourne, December 26: Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne played pivotal roles as Australia maintained their strong grip on the second session of the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. By Tea on Day 1, Australia were comfortably placed at 176/2, with Steven Smith (10*) and Marnus Labuschagne (44*) at the crease.
Resuming the second session at 112/1, Khawaja and Labuschagne added 65 runs to extend Australia’s lead. Khawaja, in particular, played a patient knock, reaching his half-century in the 34th over with a boundary between second slip and gully. However, the Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, found some success, with Bumrah dismissing Khawaja for 57 in the 45th over. Despite the wicket, Australia’s dominance continued, as they managed to score 64 runs in the session.
The Indian bowlers improved their discipline, but the visitors were only able to pick up one wicket in the session. Khawaja’s slow but steady innings helped Australia establish a strong platform, while Labuschagne looked set to carry on in the final session. As the session ended, Australia appeared well on track to build a substantial total.
Earlier in the day, debutant Sam Konstas made an impressive start, forming a solid 89-run partnership with Khawaja for the opening wicket. Konstas, in particular, was aggressive, reaching his maiden international half-century in the 14th over. His knock ended at 60 when Ravindra Jadeja removed him in the 20th over. Konstas’ attacking innings was one of the highlights of the morning session, and it gave Australia an early advantage.
India, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to make breakthroughs in the first session as the Aussie openers laid a solid foundation. Despite a better bowling performance in the second session, India still had a long road ahead if they were to break the Aussie partnership and make inroads into the Australian batting lineup.
In the final session, Australia will aim to further solidify their position with Smith and Labuschagne at the crease, while India will desperately look for wickets to regain control.
Brief Score: Australia 176/2 (Marnus Labuschagne 57*, Sam Konstas 60; Ravindra Jadeja 1/20) vs India.