NEW DELHI: Hosts Australia will likely be happy with their batting efficiency on the opening day of the fourth Check of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the Melbourne Cricket Floor on Thursday. Driving on half-centuries from their top-order batters, the hosts closed the day on a commanding 311 for six in opposition to India in entrance of a packed MCG crowd.
The day noticed contributions from debutant Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, alongside excessive drama that includes Virat Kohli and fiery spells from Jasprit Bumrah late within the day.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Check
Debutant Konstas’s pyrotechnic entry
Australia’s number of Sam Konstas for the ultimate two matches of the sequence proved a masterstroke because the 19-year-old showcased his fearless method. Regardless of a couple of nervous moments early on, Konstas discovered his rhythm, delivering an entertaining 60 off 65 balls on debut.
Konstas went after India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, forcing the guests onto the again foot within the first session. His innings featured a mixture of creative scoops, audacious pulls, and unrefined slogs, setting the tone for Australia’s innings.
Trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja after the second drinks break, Konstas walked off to large cheers, having recorded the third quickest half-century (52 balls) by an Australian debutant. His explosive innings propelled Australia to 112 for one at lunch.
Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas shoulder bump
The opening session was marked by excessive drama when India’s Virat Kohli shoulder-bumped Konstas throughout a heated second. The incident, which occurred as Konstas walked to speak with Usman Khawaja between overs, required umpire Michael Gough to intervene.
The Melbourne crowd booed Kohli, whereas former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, on commentary for Seven Community, labeled him the instigator. Whether or not the Worldwide Cricket Council will take motion stays unclear, although bodily contact throughout play can lead to extreme penalties.
Prime-order clicked for Australia
Australia’s top-order delivered their most cohesive efficiency of the sequence, with half-centuries from Konstas (60), Khawaja (57 off 121), Labuschagne (72 off 145), and Smith (68 off 111). The constant contributions helped them overcome the lack of in-form Travis Head for a duck and preserve management all through the day.
Substantial partnerships have been key, with the openers including 89 runs, adopted by a 65-run stand between Khawaja and Labuschagne. Labuschagne then paired with Smith for a strong 83-run partnership earlier than his dismissal.
Bumrah’s robust comeback
Jasprit Bumrah redeemed himself after being taken aside by Konstas within the first session. The speedster struck within the second session, eradicating Khawaja, and returned within the closing session with a fiery spell that noticed him dismiss Head and Mitchell Marsh.
Bumrah ended the day with figures of three for 75 from 21 overs. Akash Deep additionally chipped in, dismissing Alex Carey (31) late within the day, serving to India claw again with 4 wickets within the closing session.
Forward of the essential decond day, Australia maintain the benefit, however India’s bowlers have proven they’ll struggle again in essential moments. The stage is about for one more enthralling day of cricket on the MCG.
