It has truly been Australia’s day so far in the first day of the Boxing Day test. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is hosting the crucial encounter between Australia and India, which sees the hosts at 176/1 after the conclusion of the second session.
The first session saw the 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas displaying his positive intent by taking out India’s lead pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas looked at ease during his knock of 60 off 65, before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW in the 20th over. Nevertheless, Australia dominated the proceedings with Australia at 112/1.
The second session started off on a slow note, with Marnus Labuschagne getting used to the surface with Usman Khawaja, who primarily played as a second fiddle to Konstas in the first session.
Labuschagne copped some body blows from Mohammed Siraj, but maintained his composure as his innings progressed. Meanwhile, Khawaja utilized his strong leg-side play, and accumulated two fours in his three balls against Akash Deep to get to his 27th test fifty. Interestingly, it was his first half-century since the last Boxing Day test against West Indies in Gabba.
Australia steer comfortably despite Usman Khawaja’s dismissal
Mid-way during the second session in the 45th over, Jasprit Bumrah bowled a half-tracker, which was there for Usman Khawaja to smash. However, the southpaw played a half-hearted shot, which could only connect from its toe end and was caught at the midwicket by KL Rahul. He scored 57 off 121 balls, with six fours and got his much-needed confidence back after a string of low scores.
Thereafter, inconsistent but last game’s centurion Steve Smith arrived at the crease to partner up with Marnus Labuschagne, who was starting to look comfortable at the crease. After the pacers and Jadeja couldn’t do much in the subsequent overs, Washington Sundar was called for a single over.
The right-arm spinner gave away five runs, as Australia ended the second session on 176/2 in 53 overs. It was a a quiet session, where the hosts scored 64 runs off 28 overs, while losing a single wicket.
The pitch certainly doesn’t have enough demons to put Australia under pressure at least on the first day of the game. The Melbourne pitch hasn’t offered any assistance to the spinners, while pacers have looked to thrive with a bit of seam movement.
It will be interesting to see if the Indian bowlers secure breakthroughs in the final session and head into the second day with much enthusiasm and energy.
Brief Scores: Australia 176/2 ((Marnus Labuschagne (44*) and Steve Smith (10*)) vs India.
