Konstas, Khawaja shine as Aus hold edge at Tea
Insight Online News
Melbourne, Dec 26 : A disciplined yet luckless Indian bowling performance characterised the second session of the Boxing Day Test as Australia consolidated their strong start to end Tea on Day 1 at 176/2.
India managed to pull back the scoring rate after lunch, with Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep bowling probing spells. However, Marnus Labuschagne (44* off 109) weathered the storm, showcasing grit and resilience alongside Steven Smith (10* off 25). Despite the bowlers’ efforts, the Australian duo ensured no further inroads for India in the session.
Earlier, the first session was headlined by a feisty exchange between Virat Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas, adding drama to an already intense battle. As the players walked past each other, Kohli and Konstas appeared to barge into eah others’ shoulders, sparking a brief verbal spat that required the intervention of the umpires. The incident lit up the atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but the 19-year-old Konstas maintained composure and continued to bat with audacity.
Opting to bat, debutant Sam Konstas’ stunning knock of 60 off 65 balls had electrified the MCG spectators in the first session. His fearless batting, including audacious scoops and reverse scoops off Bumrah, set the tone for Australia. The 19-year-old became the second-youngest Australian to score a fifty on debut and added a crucial 96-run stand with Usman Khawaja, who contributed a patient fifty.
India’s solitary breakthrough in the second session came when Konstas fell to Ravindra Jadeja, trapped LBW by a slider, but not before leaving a significant mark on the game. Khawaja’s innings also ended in the afternoon as he succumbed to Akash Deep’s unyielding line and length, after scoring 57 off 121 balls with six boundaries.
The pitch at the MCG offered enough for the bowlers with its tacky nature early on, but as the sun beat down, it began to ease out, a potential worry for Team India.
India must regroup and strike early in the final session to avoid chasing a massive first-innings total.
At Tea, Day 1: Australia: 176/2 (Sam Konstas 60, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Steven Smith 10)
India bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah 1/5, Ravindra Jadeja 1/50
