Reactions on Twitter: Stalemate in Melbourne as Australia and India trade blows on the first day of the 4th Test

The first day of the fourth Test in between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) played out in typical Boxing Day Test fashion, with both teams battling hard in a high-stakes encounter.

After Australia won the toss and elected to bat, they announced the competitive totalmainly driven by elastic shock from Steve Smith (68 not out) and key contributions from debutants Konstas himself (60) i Marnus Labuschagne (72).

Jasprit Bumrah was a key wicket-taker in India, taking three vital scalps, but Australia’s middle order, including Alex Carey (31) i Pat Cummins (8 is not out), ensured that the changes did not collapse, providing a stable foundation. At the end of the game, Australia had a slim lead, but the Indian bowlers showed signs of struggle, especially in the second half of the innings.

Konstas himself sets the tone with his debut performance

Konstas emerged as the best performer for Australia, making a memorable Test debut with 60 off 65 deliveries. His innings, with powerful hitting and a calm demeanor, was instrumental in laying the foundation for Australia’s innings. Especially, had a brief spat with Virat Kohliintensifying the already heated competition. However, Konstas dismissed the conflict and calmly continued his innings, steering the team towards a strong position. His partnership with Usman Khawaja he was instrumental in providing stability, especially against India’s disciplined bowling attack.

Usman Khawaja anchors the Australian innings

Khawaja played a vital role at the top of the order, anchoring the Australian innings with a well-constructed 57 off 121 balls. His partnership with Konstas was key to Australia’s early success, offering crucial stability against India’s fiery bowling attack. Khawaja’s innings was marked by controlled aggression, punishing loose deliveries while displaying a stout defense against Jasprit Bumrah’s pace. His departure to Bumrah in the second session brought Australia’s innings closer to a critical stage, but his contribution ensured the team was well placed at that point.

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith keep Australia’s momentum going

After Khawaja’s departure, Labuschagne continued the momentum, scoring a patient 72 off 145 balls. His additions added another crucial partnership with Khawaja before he fell Washington Sundarwhich was successfully introduced in India. Labuschagne’s dismissal allowed Smith to further anchor the Australian innings, maintaining his consistent form. His contribution was instrumental in guiding Australia towards the 300 mark, ensuring they did not lose control despite setbacks.

Smith was impeccable in touch, reaching a composed 68 off 111 balls before the end of the game. His innings was filled with confidence and determination, especially after the losses to Labuschagne and Khawaja. Smith’s ability to adapt to the challenging conditions at the MCG was evident as he played key shots, including a well-timed six Mohammed Siraj. Despite India’s disciplined attack, Smith’s calm and composure helped stabilize the innings, preventing Australia from losing their way.

Also SEE: Rohit Sharma issues a warning to Marnus Labuschagne for running on the pitch on the first day of the 4th Test of AUS-IND

Indian resistance led by Jasprit Bumrah

Carey provided valuable support with 31 off 41 deliveries, especially after an early dismissal Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head for the duck. Carey’s ability to rotate strike boundaries and hits has helped keep the scoring rate going, although his dismissal of Akash Deep was a significant step back. Cummins remained unbeaten on 8* as Australia closed the day on 311/6. The total puts India in a challenging position, requiring them to produce a strong response in the remaining days of the Test.

While Australia ended the day with little control, the Indian bowlers, led by Bumrah, showed a glimmer of fight and determination. Bumrah’s three wickets were instrumental in halting Australia’s progress, and Washington SundarThe success with Labuschagne indicated potential developments in the following sessions. Rohit Sharma’The men will need to build on their efforts, focusing in particular on limiting Australia’s lead in the first innings and responding strongly with the bat.

Here’s how Twitter responded:

This has got to be one of the most sensational first mornings for a Test cricketer ever. He played one of the bravest debut innings, beat the best fast bowler in the world and is busy signing autographs and clicking selfies before the lunch break. Sam Konstas you beauty #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/wjzRQH8Vxi

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 26, 2024

It’s one of the most fascinating Test debuts for Sam Konstas in the last half century that I’ve ever witnessed. He doesn’t shy away from anyone; senior or junior.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 26, 2024

I really like Sam Konstas .. 👀👀👀

– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 26, 2024

Sam Konstas scored 34 against Jasprit Bumrah – the most any batsman has ever scored against a Bumrah spell in Test cricket. I am shaken

— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) December 26, 2024

What I see in Sam Konstas is fearlessness and borderline stupidity. But that’s what Australia wanted. I wanted someone to face Jasprit Bumrah in a different way.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024

A bad day for Jasprit Bumrah is still better than a good day for most bowlers.

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) December 26, 2024

The thing about great players is that they find ways to force their way back into the game. Jasprit Bumrah just showed us again why he is great.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 26, 2024

How does Bumrah celebrate the dismissal of Australia’s main man Travis Head? No excessive celebration, no angry farewell, just a smile. Children learn, choose your role models wisely. #INDvAUS

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 26, 2024

Who is Jasprit Bumrah? He is a light to the blind. He is bread to the hungry. He is medicine for the sick. There is company for the lonely. For the sad, he is joy. For a prisoner, he is freedom. He is a treasure for the poor. For me he is everything.

— Alaska (@alaskawhines) December 26, 2024

Day 1, Stumps

Australia: 311/6

Steve Smith: 68*
Marnus Labuschagne: 72#Cricket #AUSWIN #SteveSmith #BorderGavaskarTrophy #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/gs6U6K9Z3H

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2024

READ ALSO: AUS vs IND: Ricky Ponting, Alyssa Healy brutally attack Virat Kohli over verbal altercation with debutant Sam Konstas