Australia and India’s first day of the Boxing Day Test at the storied Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was an exciting match, with both sides demonstrating why they are among the finest in the world of cricket.
Sam Konstas, a rookie, took the India bowlers to task with some daring strokes after Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first.
In the meantime, Usman Khawaja waited at the opposite end. Two times during his maiden spell, Konstas hit the in-form Jasprit Bumrah for three boundaries in an over. Virat Kohli’s and Mohammed Siraj’s furious actions were an attempt to agitate the child. However, the teenager displayed steely nerves and played a daring innings, striking two sixes and six fours in 60 off 65 deliveries.
Ravindra Jadeja removed the rookie in the 20th over, resulting in the first wicket falling at 89. Khawaja was joined by Marnus Labuschagne in the middle, and the two of them stitched a calm 65-run partnership off 150 balls. Once more, Siraj altered the bails, and Khawaja was removed soon after for a 57 off 121 balls.
Labuschagne and Steve Smith put up a standoff of 87 runs in 127 balls. The latter fought valiantly throughout his innings and had to fend off Akash Deep’s probing attack. After he hammered seven boundaries, his knock finally finished for 72 off 145 balls.
Travis Head (0 off 7) and Mitchell Marsh (4 off 13) were easily defeated by Bumrah’s class, and the home team dropped from 237/2 to 246/5. Alex Carey, the keeper-batter, counterattacked and scored 31 runs off 41 balls until Deep removed him with the second new ball. Australia reached 311/6 in 86 overs on Day 1 thanks to Smith (68*) and Cummins (8*).
Akash Deep, Jadeja, and Washington Sundar each contributed one wicket, while Bumrah claimed three. If he had been lucky, Deep could have easily taken a few more wickets. He would still like to attack early tomorrow morning, though.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to the action on Day 1:
What I’m seeing with Sam Konstas is fearlessness & borderline stupidity. But that’s what Australia wanted. Wanted some one to face Jasprit Bumrah in different way.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024
Wow wee talking about sticking to your guns. Sam Konstas not only faced first ball & has ramped and charged Bumrah/Siraj. #INDvsAUS
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 26, 2024
Congrats Sam on your baggy mate. Good luck legend
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) December 26, 2024
Loving how cricket is changing. Young man 19 years old on debut playing shots like this is fantastic to watch. It’s defo edge of your seat stuff. 🏏
— Samit Patel 🏏 (@Samitpatel21) December 26, 2024
For however much of a career, and however much, or little success Sam Konstas has, [hopefully lots of success], it’s a watershed moment for me that test match batting, following on from England’s brand, is taking a different form with this new generation.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 26, 2024
I really like Sam Konstas .. 👀👀👀
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 26, 2024
Build the man a statue #konstas
— Chris Green (@chrisgreen_93) December 26, 2024
Worth staying up ! Very entertaining from Konstas ! Gonna be a good game 🙂 #AUSvIND
— Sarah Taylor (@Sarah_Taylor30) December 26, 2024
That is one of the most fascinating test debut half centuries Ive ever witnessed by Sam Konstas. He doesn’t back down from anyone either; senior or junior.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 26, 2024
Sam konstas made Boxing Day very special for the Aussie fans.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024
First time I’ve seen in an Australia vs india series, Bumrah being helpless against an under 19 player.
What a way to start your international test career Sam konstas
Powerful hitting against India’s senior bowlers…#INDvAUS— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) December 26, 2024
Konstas 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (@Danni_Wyatt) December 26, 2024
Sammy Konstas 🤩
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) December 26, 2024
Both Konstas and Kohli held their grounds whilst walking between the wicket. The young kid not at all overawed by the King!!
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 26, 2024
That was no ordinary fifty! Sam Konstas delivers a knock full of grit and character.🫡✨
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) December 26, 2024
Sam Konstas is definitely from the modern playbook of
HOW TO PLAY TEST CRICKET AS AN OPENER
👏👏👏👏
nice start #CricketTwitter #INDvsAUS
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 26, 2024
Bumrah what a beaut 👏 pic.twitter.com/9BnNvIJztL
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024
How does Bumrah celebrate the dismissal of Australia’s main man Travis Head? No over-the-top celebration, no angry send off, just a smile. Kids learn, choose your role models wisely. #INDvAUS
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 26, 2024
Another great day of Test cricket .. This era is so good to watch .. 👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 26, 2024
India
