Jasprit Bumrah proved to be the force India’s bowling attack yet again on the first day of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Testat the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah managed to claim three important wickets to call it a decent day for the Indian team. By the end of Day 1, Australia posted a solid score of 311/6 in 86 overs of play. Australia’s debutant Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khwaja and Steve Smith played important innings with fifties to make their way.
Bumrah’s back-to-back wickets
Coming after Tea, in the third session, Jasprit Bumrah rattled the stumps of Travis Head with a sniping nip-backer, leaving Head gazing in disbelief with a duck. After that, Bumrah claimed Mitchell Marsh, who succumbed to a pull shot and had Usman Khawaja caught behind, contributing to India’s efforts in curbing the Australian innings.
Debutant Sam Konstas dazzles
Sam Konstas stole the show in the morning session with a fearless batting display, marking a sensational debut. Partnering with Usman Khawaja, Konstas showed his aggressive flair and inventive strokeplay, leaving the Indian bowlers in a conundrum. Despite being relatively young and new to the format, Konstas drove the Indian bowlers with ease, employing ramp shots and reverse scoops to keep the scoreboard ticking. His skilful innings of 60 gave a solid foundation to the Kangaroos.
Smith and Labuschagne steady the ship
After Konstas and Khwaja’s departure, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith took the charge of consolidating the Australian innings. Labuschagne, with his typically solid and measured approach, frustrated the Indian bowlers, painstakingly constructing a valuable partnership with Smith. Their combined resilience and grit helped Australia register a good first-day total. Labuschagne’s 72 was important in bridging the middle-order gap after Khawaja’s exit, while Smith’s unbeaten 68 supported Australia’s standing further as the day progressed. The pair handled India’s spinners wisely.
Jadeja brings the breakthrough with Konstas, Sundar supports
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were important in applying critical breaks to Australia’s run flow at crucial times. Sundar, included to strike a balance in India’s XI, justified his presence by taking the prized wicket of Labuschagne, who edged one to Kohli at slip from Sundar’s teasing length outside off. Jadeja chipped in with the wicket of debutant Sam Konstas, negating the aggressive young opener before he could inflict more damage, thanks to his guile and accurate bowling. Both all-rounders held an economy under check, maintaining sustained pressure over the Australian batsmen.
The day’s closure
By the end of the day’s play, Australia positioned themselves at 311/6 in 86 overs with Smith and Pat Cummins steady at the crease. Although the Indian attack, particularly Bumrah, made significant inroads, Australia navigated the challenges well to finish the day positively. Carey’s brisk 31 off 41 has also provided a timely buffer to the Australian total. The second new ball taken late in the day bore minimal yield for India as Cummins and Smith remained sharp and managed to survive Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive last spell.
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