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The opening day of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test witnessed a thrilling battle. The Australian side continued to have some explosive batting; India responded with great courage, and there was another major confrontation between the key players. As the day progressed, the Australian batsmen dominated the early exchanges, but at the end of the first day’s play, India, responding strongly to Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive spell, fought hard.
At the end of this day’s play, they had reached 311 for 6 in 86 overs with Pat Cummins (8) and Steve Smith (68). Bumrah was the shining bowler as he took 3 wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar each got a solitary wicket.
Sam Constas Excel on Test Debutin IND vs AUS, MCG
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The day’s play mainly witnessed the stellar show put up by 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Constas. The youngster hit the ground running right away to announce his Test debut without wasting much time when he had Australia opt to bat first after winning the toss.
However, with quick-fire runs against India’s number one fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, Constas settled quickly, playing some really brave cricket. First by reverse sweeping the new man for four and then taking on a Bumrah yorker by hitting it six over mid-on, this set him as clear intent that he would look for the challenge of that ball. He further added four more this time over the third man, making a statement that he was not frightened by the Indian bowlers.
Constas played a dynamic innings with 6 fours and 2 sixes. The quick-fire 60 runs he scored came in just 65 balls. His aggression was one of the key reasons for the solid start for Australia. Along with Usman Khawaja, Constas shared a valuable 89-run partnership that helped Australia build a strong foundation. His fearless batting proved that Australia’s decision to include him in the playing XI was the right one, and he was celebrated by the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as he made his Test debut in front of a packed audience.
Khawaja and Labuschagne Provide Stability
Along with Constas, Usman Khawaja also regained his form, scoring a watchful 57 off 121 balls. Khawaja’s innings, though not as explosive, was important in steadying the innings after the early fall of wickets. He and Constas made a good partnership before Khawaja got out to Bumrah, miscuing a pull shot that went to KL Rahul at mid-wicket. This was the only wicket to fall in the second session, and India could not break through.
After the dismissal of Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne played a gritty innings to get 72 runs. Along with Steve Smith, he helped Australia march forward as both batsmen showed a good deal of composure in facing the spirited bowling from India. Labuschagne’s knock helped Australia keep control, but the innings came to an end when he was dismissed by Washington Sundar.
Bumrah’s Late Burst Revives India’s Hopes
Jasprit Bumrah turned out to be the difference-maker, especially during the final session of the day. Bumrah, who had already been targeted earlier by Constas, responded with a fine spell of bowling where he snapped two vital wickets very quickly. In back-to-back overs, Bumrah dismissed Travis Head for a duck and Mitchell Marsh for just 4 runs, both of whom had been in strong form recently in Tests. This was Bumrah’s fifth scalp in the last seven innings against these two players, further cementing his reputation as Australia’s nemesis.
Bumrah’s effort has given India the much-needed breakthrough. The momentum is now on India’s side. When Head and Marsh were dismissed, Australia’s score read 284/6, and Steve Smith was still there to rescue the innings.
Akash Deep and Jadeja Play Crucial Roles
In the meantime, while Bumrah was going about his business of brilliance, Akash Deep also played a vital role in India’s fightback. Deep claimed the wicket of Alex Carey, who was dismissed for 31 runs, as the Australian lower order struggled to capitalize on the strong foundations laid by the top order.
Ravindra Jadeja, too, played a key role, dismissing Constas with a well-executed LBW, which ended the debutant’s impressive innings. Jadeja’s early breakthrough broke the 89-run stand between Constas and Khawaja and marked the resurgence of India.
A Thrilling Day of Cricket
The first day of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test was a thrilling game where both explosive batting and disciplined bowling showed face. While the top order of Australia, led by Constas, Khawaja, and Labuschagne, was in total control during the early part of the day, India’s bowlers, especially Bumrah, showed a lot of resilience and fought back with some crucial wickets.
At stumps, Australia’s score of 311/6 is a testament to their good start, but with India’s bowlers finding their rhythm, the second day promises to be an exciting continuation of the contest.
A Day of High Drama
Day 1 of the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test was full of drama, from Constas’s explosive debut knock to Bumrah’s fightback in the final session. The match is finely poised, with Australia holding a slight advantage, but India’s bowlers have shown that they are capable of making inroads. The second day of the Test is likely to be an exciting contest between bat and ball, considering Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are still in and Bumrah leading India’s bowling attack.
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