Melbourne [Australia], December 26: India staged a strong fightback on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test, with Australia finishing at 311/6 at stumps. Despite solid fifties from Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja, the visitors were able to make inroads late in the day.
Australia resumed after Tea at 176/2, with openers Konstas and Khawaja having laid a solid foundation. Marnus Labuschagne (59) and Steve Smith then built an 83-run partnership, but Labuschagne fell to Washington Sundar, caught by Virat Kohli at 237/3.
India’s bowlers then capitalized on the momentum, as Jasprit Bumrah took two quick wickets. Travis Head was dismissed for a duck, bowled out for just seven balls, and Mitchell Marsh followed soon after, caught behind for just 4. Australia was reduced to 246/5.
However, Smith (68*) and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey (31) countered with an aggressive partnership, bringing Australia to a more stable position. Bumrah stood out with a brilliant 3/75, while Akash Deep also took a key wicket to close the day. Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja each took a wicket as well.
The first session was dominated by debutant Sam Konstas, who played fearless cricket to give Australia an early advantage. Alongside Khawaja, Konstas shared a solid opening partnership of 89 runs. The young debutant impressed with 60 off 65 balls, displaying confidence against India’s premier pacer, Bumrah.
Australia’s innings saw steady progress in the second session as Khawaja and Labuschagne combined for a 65-run partnership. India’s bowlers fought back in this session, claiming one wicket, with Khawaja reaching a half-century. However, Bumrah struck again in the 45th over, dismissing Khawaja for 57.
At stumps, Australia stood at 311/6, with Smith and Carey at the crease.
Brief score: Australia 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steven Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3/75) vs India.