tags: India’s tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia v India, 4th Test in Melbourne, 26-30. December 2024,
Australia,
India
Published: December 26, 2024
Table of results
| Comment
| Charts
Australia’s top batting found its groove on Boxing Day, securing the hosts first honors in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On a day when the Australian batsmen took advantage of a solid pitch and their first win of the series, the hosts posted a staggering 311/6. Contributions from Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith laid the foundations, although the Indian bowlers kept them in the game with timely breakthroughs.
The glittering debut of Sam Konstas
Australia’s decision to debut 19-year-old Sam Konstas was a masterstroke. Tasked with taking on Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas produced a gutsy performance, upsetting the Indian bowling plans. The debutant got off to a shaky start, being repeatedly beaten by Bumrah, but his fearless approach soon paid off. Konstas launched a series of reverse catches, hitting boundaries and even a six off Bumrah — his first in Tests since 2021.
Konstas brought up a scintillating half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second youngest Test half-centurion. His attacking knock of 60 set the tone for the innings before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW to end the 89-run opening stand.
Grit of the middle order
With Konstas setting the stage, Khawaja and Labuschagne built on the platform with constant contributions. Khawaja, under pressure after a quiet series, scored his first half-century while Labuschagne continued his prolific run with a well-built 72. The duo withstood a disciplined spell from Akash Deep and Bumrah, who kept the scoring rate in check during a subdued second session.
India’s persistence paid off when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja for 56, leading to a midwicket misstep. The dismissal brought Steve Smith to the crease and he, along with Labuschagne, used the aging ball to rebuild the innings.
Bumrah’s late burst
India came back into the game in the last session. Washington Sundar dealt with Labuschagne with a crisp catch from Virat Kohli and Bumrah followed it up with a double. He hit Travis Head for a duck and dismissed Mitchell Marsh cheaply to leave Australia at 246/5.
However, Smith’s resilience proved critical. The experienced batsman showed his mastery with controlled aggression, especially against Jadeja. Smith has found a capable partner in Alex Careyand their 53-run partnership steadied the ship before Carey fell into the Akash Deep under the lights. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, leading Australia to stumps along with captain Pat Cummins.
India’s Battle of the Bowlers
Despite conceding 311 runs, the Indian bowlers put in a spirited display. Bumrah was the top performer with figures of 3-75, including a crucial late wicket. Akash Deep, though wicketless for most of the day, bowled tirelessly and earned his eventual scalp of Carey.
The day ended with Australia taking a slim lead, but with the pitch offering some help to the bowlers and India’s batting depth, the Test remains finely balanced.
Short ratings:
Australia: 311/6 (Marnus Labuschagne 72, Steve Smith 68*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-75) vs. India
This enthralling contest promises more twists and turns as both teams battle for supremacy in this crucial test.
