Australia took the honours on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but it was India's dramatic fightback in the final session that stole the spotlight. After Australia dominated much of the day, India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, clawed back with three quick wickets to ensure the game remained finely balanced.
Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas was the standout performer, blazing to a fiery 60 off 65 balls. His fearless approach, including audacious reverse scoops and aggressive strokes off India’s ace bowler Bumrah, set the tone early for the hosts. Konstas became the second-youngest Australian to score a fifty on debut, helping Australia to a solid 89-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja, who contributed a patient 57.
Despite some early breakthroughs for India, including the wickets of Konstas and Khawaja, Australia’s middle order held firm. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 72 off 145 balls, while Steven Smith (68*) guided his team through the middle session with calm assurance. The pair put on an important 83-run partnership, with Smith bringing up a fluent fifty.
However, the final session saw a dramatic turn. With Australia cruising at 237/3, India struck back with a vengeance. Bumrah and Deep claimed the key wickets of Mitchell Marsh (4) and Travis Head (0), reducing Australia to 246/5. The middle-order collapse continued as Deep dismissed Alex Carey for 31, caught behind by Rishabh Pant, leaving Australia 299/6.
India’s fightback in the final session leaves the game evenly poised. With Australia at 311/6, India will be keen to clean up the tail quickly and limit the hosts’ first-innings total. While Australia appears to have the upper hand, India’s resilient performance has given them a glimmer of hope, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 2.(UNI)
Brief Scores: Australia: 311/6 (Steven Smith 68*; Marnus Labuschagne 72; Sam Konstas 60; Akash Deep 1/59; Jasprit Bumrah 3/75).
