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Thu, 26 December 2024
4th Test Updates: Smith hits 68; Aus 311/6 at stumps
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12:58 Smith hits 68; Aus 311/6 at stumps
Aus 311-6 (86 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Australia's top four batters hit fifties to put the hosts in control against India on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at MCG on Thursday.
Debutant Sam Konstas (60) sparked the home team's charge with a scintillating half-century, marking a dream debut with some stunning strokes.
Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68 not out) all contributed with fifties on a good batting surface.
The peerless Jasprit Bumrah (3/75) was expectedly the pick of the bowlers for India.
After an uncharacteristically quiet first session -- during which Konstas took the attack to the Indian pacer with a barrage of boundaries and sixes, Bumrah returned to his best, picking up three crucial wickets, including the scalps of Travis Head (0) and Mitchell Marsh (4) in quick succession.
Australia batted positively to score 135 runs in 33 overs in the post-tea session at more than four per over, but India kept themselves afloat with four wickets.
Steve Smith celebrates his fifty.
12:36 Top order shines; Aus 311/6 at stumps
Aus 311-6 (86 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Bumrah beats Cummins on the inside edge with the big inswinger which strikes him on the pads but the leg before shout is turned down.
The next ball again hits Cummins on the pads but it rolls towards qure leg for a couple of runs followed by a single and Smith keeps out the last three balls.
Akash Dep to bowl the final over of the day. The first ball is way down the leg side as Cummins misses the glance and the same next ball.
Cummins gets a thick outside edge off the fourth ball which flies past the slips for a four before he takes a single next ball.
There is still time left for one more over as Bumrah continues. Cummins leaves the first ball and watchfully blocks the next followed by another leave.
Bumrah oversteps to concede a no-ball before he clips a low full toss past square leg for two runs.
Australia finish on a strong 311/9 in 86 overs at stumps on the opening day at MCG.
Smith boosted Australia in the final session, stroking a fine knock of 68 not out from 111 balls, while Cummins made eight.
Australia batted positively to score 135 runs in 33 overs in the post-tea session at more than four per over, but India kept themselves afloat with four wickets.
12:27 Tune Into The Stumps Show Thursday!
Jasprit Bumrah has kept India in the contest with three wickets but have Australia gained the upper-hand on Day 1 with their top four batters all hitting fifties?
We will be live each day of the fourth India-Australia Test, immediately after close of play, with a recap and highlights of the day's play on The Stumps Show hosted by Prem Panicker.
Join us on the live show immediately after close of play. Post your thoughts in comments. And ask questions via the chat interface -- which we will respond to in real time.
See you on the Stumps Show -- LIVE! Thursday, December 26, 2024 after the close of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test at the MCG.
12:24 Carey out for 31; Australia 6 down
Aus 300-6 (83 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Carey looks to disrupt Bumrah's rhythm but he ends up miscuing the uppish flick which clears the fielder at midwicket for two runs.
The left-hander drives a wide half-volley past point for two more before flicking the fifth ball again over midwicket for another couple of runs followed by a single off the last ball.
Akash Deep to share the new ball. He strikes with the first ball of his new spell as he gets the ball to bounce off quite sharply with Carey getting the edge to be caught behind for 31.
Akash Deep bowled without much luck through the day and has now been rewarded for his persistence.
Captain Pat Cummins misses the flick as he gets the leg bye to bring up Australia's 300.
12:11 India take second new ball
Aus 292-5 (81 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Bumrah underwent some treatment for cramps during the drinks break before he walked off the field.
Sundar continues as Carey pushes the third ball for a single and Smith is unable to get a run off the next three. But Sundar oversteps for a no-ball and Smith clips the last ball for one to retain strike.
Nitish Reddy comes back for a new spell as India look to rest their pacers before taking the second new ball.
Smith inside edges the first ball to fine leg for a single and Carey nudges the next off his pads for another run.
Smith easily steers the wide length ball from the pacer past point for one and Carey keeps strike with another run from the last ball.
Sundar sends down a maiden over as Australia reach 291/5 in 80 overs.
India haven't taken the second new ball as Reddy continues. With around 25 minutes left for stumps, Australia's batters will be happy to play against the new ball against part-timers.
But just one over from Reddy before India take the second new ball as Bumrah is back on the field.
11:46 Smith hits fifty to lift Australia
Aus 279-5 (75 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith and Carey looking to attack. This time Carey takes on Sundar to sweep the spinner wide of long-on for a six and then takes one.
Smith plays out the last two balls from the spinner. The duo have put on 30 from 30 balls to ensure Australia don't lose the momentum after Bumrah's double strike.
Australia have now scored 100 runs in the session in 21 overs bowled so far at a positive rate of nearly five.
Siraj beats Carey on the outside edge with a length ball which slants across the left-hander. He then hits the next ball straight for two runs as Bumrah fails to stop cleanly at mid-on before taking a single on the off-side.
Steve Smith
11:37 Smith hits fifty to lift Australia
Aus 269-5 (73 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith continues his love affair with the MCG. He takes a single off Bumrah to complete his half-century from 71 balls.
This is his sixth fifty at the MCG, to go along with four centuries.
Alex Carey drives the last ball square on the off-side for a couple of runs.
Sundar from round the wicket to Smith, who keeps out the first two balls before clipping the third ball off his pads for a single.
Carey gets a thick outside edge as he looks to defend for a single to short thirdman.
Smith rocks back to cut the spinner behind point for a couple of runs and keeps out the last ball.
Siraj comes back into the attack as he replaces Bumrah. Carey pushes the first ball towards point for a single before Smith makes most of some width, to hit the pacer square on the off-side for three runs.
Another single for Carey before Smith launches the pull shot over square leg for a six.
11:24 Bumrah strikes again; Aus 5 down
Aus 246-5 (69 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith clips Sundar with the spin on the leg side for a single before Mitchell Marsh watchfully keeps out the rest of the over.
In the next over, Smith again gets a single off the first ball as he pushes Bumrah through point.
Marsh off to a thumping start as he crashes the wide from Bumrah through the covers for a four.
The next ball kicks off from length as Marsh is struck on the right gloves but it flies past gully for one.
Bumrah on fire! Marsh goes for the booming pull shot over midwicket but gets the outside edge and is caught by Pant for four.
Bumrah has brought India back in the contest with two big strikes in the space of 10 balls.
That was a poor shot from Marsh, he wanted to dominate against Bumrah but ended up paying the price.
11:10 Head out for duck; Australia 4 down
Aus 240-4 (67 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Sharp captaincy from Rohit as he brings back his best bowler Bumrah to bowl at the in-form Travis Head, who has been among the runs in the series so far.
Smith drives the first ball to Siraj at mid-off, who is again sloppy to get down to the ball and ends up conceding three runs.
Bumrah strikes with the big wicket of Head, who offers no shot only to see the length ball jag back and crash into the off-stump.
A BIG wicket for India as Head walks back for a seven-ball duck with Australia slipping to 240/4.
India managed just two wickets in the first 65 overs but they have bagged two more wickets in the next nine balls to get back into the contest.
11:02 Sundar strikes; Labuschagne out for 72
Aus 237-3 (66 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Australia well placed on 237/2 in 65 overs with Labuschagne on 72 and Smith on 42.
Sundar makes the breakthrough with the important wicket of Labuschagne, who is caught by Kohli.
He came down the track to loft Sundar over the top but failed to get enough elevation as Kohli completed a well-judged overhead catch at mid-off.
India doing well to chip away at the wickets as Australia's top 3 are guilty of not carrying on after getting off to starts.
Travis Head is unable to get off the mark from the remaining five deliveries of the over.
10:56 Labuschagne hits fifty; Aus on top
Aus 237-2 (65 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Akash Deep has another confident shout for leg before turned down against Smith, his third in this spell.
Smith was struck on the back pad but the impact seemed a bit high. The bowler was quite confident but Rohit is not interested with one just DRS left. And rightly so, as the ball would have gone over.
Another leg before appeal in the next over as Labuschagne misses the reverse sweep off Sundar. The ball seems to have gone off the gloves as the right-hander takes one and Smith hits the next to long-on for a single.
Labuschange watchfully keeps out the remaining four deliveries of the over.
Akash Deep to bowl the fifth over of his spell. Smith plays a thumping pull shot over midwicket for three runs as the pacer drops a fraction short.
Smith wants to get going. The Indian bowlers look a bit tired in the hot Melbourne sun and the Australian batters are making most.
Smith uses his feet to hammer Sundar straight back past mid-off for a boundary and clips the third ball for one.
Labuschagne punches the spinner in the gap through the covers for two runs.
The runs continue to flow as Smith pushes Akash Deep through the covers for one before Labuschagne gets a thick outside edge which flies past the slips for two runs to thirdman.
Akash Deep bowls a beauty getting the ball to straighten late and go past the outside edge before he takes a single on the off-side.
10:32 Labuschagne hits fifty; Aus on top
Aus 221-2 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Akash Deep goes past the outside edge yet again as Labuschagne looks for a big drive through the covers.
The next ball is short as Labuschagne pulls it through square leg for three runs.
Akash Deep produces the edge again as Smith plays away from the body but the ball goes past Kohli in the slips for three runs.
A bit too straight from Akash Deep as Labuschagne clips it through square leg for two runs and keeps strike with one from the last ball.
Sundar back into the attack. He starts from round the wicket line as Labuschagne sweeps the first ball fine for one and Smith clips the next to deep square leg for another run.
Australia have picked up the pace in the post-tea session, batting positively to keep the runs flowing.
They have scored 45 runs in seven overs in the post-tea session with both Smith and Labuschagne in the hunt for runs.
10:24 Tune Into The Stumps Show Thursday!
Did India err with their team selection? Should they have picked an extra pacer in Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana instead of a second spinner?
We will be live each day of the fourth India-Australia Test, immediately after close of play, with a recap and highlights of the day's play on The Stumps Show hosted by Prem Panicker.
Join us on the live show immediately after close of play. Post your thoughts in comments. And ask questions via the chat interface -- which we will respond to in real time.
See you on the Stumps Show -- LIVE! Thursday, December 26, 2024 after the close of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test at the MCG.
10:22 Labuschagne hits fifty; Aus go past 200
Aus 208-2 (58 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith clips Jadeja for a single to square leg before Labuschagne steers the fifth ball past point for two runs.
The last ball is floated right up as Labuschagne plays a cracking drive through the covers for a four.
In the next over, Akash Deep has another confident shout for leg before wicket turned down against Smith. Rohit decides to take the DRS this time.
The ball swung sharply into Smith as he missed the flick. The ball tracker shows that the ball is going down to miss the leg stump as India lose their second review.
They didn't review a much closer appeal in Akash Deep's last over. That might have played on their mind as they took the DRS this time around but it turned out to be a poor call.
He gets a leg bye off the next after missing the clip off his pads and Labuschagne nudges the next to square leg for one.
Akash Deep gets some late away movement as Smith is nearly squared up but does well to defend it.
Labuschagne clips Jadeja off his pads for a single to raise Australia's 200, in the 58th over.
Jadeja drops short as Smith quick to pounce as he pulls it for a four. He jumps down the track next ball to loft it over the bowler's head for another boundary.
Marnus Labuschagne
10:13 Marnus Labuschagne hits fifty!
Aus 190-2 (55 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Play resumes in the post-tea session on Day 1. Australia will look to drive home the advantage and continue to build on the good work from the first two sessions.
Another good session with the bat could put Australia in the driver's seat. For India, the only way back is a few wickets before stumps, if they can push Australia back to around 5 or 6 wickets down in the session.
Jadeja begins the session with the ball. Smith defends the first two balls before he takes a single to midwicket off the third.
Labuschagne punches the short ball to the fielder at point before he advances down the track to loft the bowler straight down the ground for a four.
Akash Deep from the other end. A huge appeal for leg before wicket turned down as Smith shuffled a long way and was struck on the stumps.
India don't take the review. The ball tracker shows that the point of impact of ball hitting the stumps is umpire's call so India wouldn't have lost the review if they had taken it.
The next ball slips down the leg side as Smith glances it fine for a four. He drives the next ball through the covers for three runs.
He steers the last ball behind point for two runs to complete his fifty from 114 balls -- his second of the series.
09:53 Tune Into The Stumps Show!
We will be live each day of the fourth India-Australia Test, immediately after close of play, with a recap and highlights of the day's play on The Stumps Show hosted by Prem Panicker.
Join us on the live show immediately after close of play. Post your thoughts in comments. And ask questions via the chat interface -- which we will respond to in real time.
See you on the Stumps Show -- LIVE! Thursday, December 26, 2024 after the close of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test at the MCG.
09:47 Openers Konstas, Khawaja hit 50s
Aus 176-2 (53 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith and Labuschagne look quite settled as they pick three singles off Jadeja's 11th over.
Spin from both ends as Washington Sundar comes into the attack to bowl the final over of the session.
Smith defends the first two balls before he picks a single to midwicket. Sundar from round the wicket gets the ball to go straight with the arm to beat Labuschagne on the outside edge.
He uses his feet to get to the pitch and drive the spinner straight back past mid-off for a four and hits the last ball to the fielder.
Australia have done well to reach 176/2 in 53 overs at the tea break on Day 2.
Labuschagne has looked solid to score 44 from 109 balls, while Smith has made 10.
Khawaja was the only wicket to fall, miscuing the pull shot off Bumrah, to be dismissed for 57.
Australia did well to score 64 runs in 28 overs in a stark contrast to the first session when Konstas's sizzling strokeplay saw them 112 runs in 25 overs.
09:39 Bumrah strikes; Khawaja out for 57
Bumrah creates another opportunity as Labuschange is beaten as he pokes away from his body.
Aus 168-2 (52 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Bumrah creates another opportunity as Labuschange is beaten as he pokes away from his body.
The right-hander then guides a low full toss on the bounce over the slips for two runs and clips the last ball for two more runs.
In the next over, Smith quick to pounce on the error from Jadeja as he pulls the short ball over midwicket for a four. Jadeja clearly upset with Siraj's fielding effort after he put in the dive but couldn't get close to the ball.
Australia are 165/2 in 50 overs as they continue to bat steadily in the second session.
Labuschagne pulls Bumrah for a single to fine leg after the pacer had overstepped off the previous delivery.
Bumrah tries the slower ball clocked 120kph which dips shortly but Labuschagne adjusts quite well to block it.
09:26 Bumrah strikes; Khawaja out for 57
Aus 157-2 (48 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Jadeja rushes through his eighth over, conceding just a single to Labuschagne, who stole a quick run on the off-side off the fourth ball.
Bumrah bowling in the middle and off-stump channel making Labuschagne play. The right-hander looking to play with a straight bat, with a soft hand, not wanting to reach out.
The last ball moves away late as Labuschagne gets the edge but well short of gully.
In the next over, Smith drives Jadeja past point for a couple of runs to get off the mark and blocks the remaining five deliveries.
Still no signs of second spinner Washington Sundar, who was a surprise inclusion in place of Gill.
India continue with Bumrah, hoping for another wicket before tea.
09:16 Bumrah strikes; Khawaja out for 57
Aus 154-2 (45 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Labuschagne watchfully defends against Jadeja, the first few balls he blocks from the crease before he strides out a bit too early but does well to defend.
Bumrah comes back into the attack. He strikes with the first ball of his new spell, getting the wicket of the well-set Khawaja.
The left-hander mistimes the pull shot hitting it straight into the hands of KL Rahul at midwicket to be dismissed for 57, ending the 65-run stand for the second wicket.
Bumrah accounts for Khawaja's wicket for the fifth time in this series.
The left-hander is done in by the lack of pace and ended up toe ending the pull shot to the fielder. Bumrah has a smile for the first time today after getting some stick earlier from Konstas.
Steve Smith shuffles across quite a bit to defend Bumrah on the off-side and leaves the next two. He gets the outside off the full delivery but again well short of Kohli at second slip.
09:07 Australia go past 150
Aus 154-1 (43 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Khawaja clips Jadeja off his pads for a single and Labuschagne leans forward to block the flighted deliveries before he drives one through the covers for a couple of runs.
Khawaja happy to collect the singles as he hits Siraj off his pads for one.
Siraj resorts to his flip the bails tactics against Labuschagne, who switched it back again before he was dismissed a few balls later in the Brisbane Test.
But this time Labuschagne ignores Siraj's act by walking away towards the leg side.
Labuschagne plays a cracking straight drive, getting a good stride forward to stroke the ball straight back past the bowler for a four, to take Australia past 150.
Siraj overpitches as Labuschagne plays a sweetly-timed flick through square leg for three runs.
08:57 India's bowlers keep things tight
Aus 140-1 (40 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Khawaja whips Siraj off his pads to deep square leg for a single to raise the 50-run stand for the second wicket.
Labuschagne taps the next ball on the off-side for another run before his partner ducks under a short ball and does the same last ball.
Just two overs for Reddy before Jadeja comes back into the attack. Labuschagne is beaten as he looks to play the cut shot as the spinner gets some extra bounce before he confidently defends the next.
The right-hander carefully plays out the rest of the over as Jadeja sticks to a good line just outside the off-stump for a maiden over.
Australia are 140/1 in 40 overs with Khawaja on 53 and Labuschagne on 23. They have scored 28 runs in 15 overs since lunch as India's bowlers have looked to build pressure by drying up the runs.
08:45 Khawaja hits fifty; Australia on top
Aus 138-1 (38 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Khawaja nudges Siraj to mid-on for a single before Labuschagne is again struck around the abdomen area by the incoming back of length delivery.
He gets behind the next ball defending it with a straight bat and blocks the last ball.
Khawaja looks quite solid. He has managed to end his poor form with a vital half-century and looks keen to cash in on the good start.
He easily keeps out the first three balls from Reddy before flicking the pacer for a single to deep square leg.
Khawaja and Labuschagne have resorted to a cautious approach to build Australia's total. They have scored 26 runs in 13 overs in the second session, taking their partnership to 49 runs.
08:35 Khawaja hits fifty to boost Aus
Aus 136-1 (36 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj getting the ball to swing into Labuschagne, who is beaten on the inside edge and struck high on the pads.
A good short ball from Siraj as Labuschagne top edges the pull shot for a boundary to fine leg.
He clips the next off the middle, in the gap through square leg for two runs and nudges the last ball to fine leg for a single.
Nitish Kumar Reddy comes into the attack in place of Akash Deep, who has bowled 11 overs for 28 runs.
The first ball is wide of the off-stump as Labuschagne has an easy leave and defends the next before taking one to deep point.
Khawaja takes a leg bye as he misses the clip off his pads and Labuschagne keeps out the last two balls.
Usman Khawaja
08:24 Khawaja hits fifty to boost Aus
Aus 127-1 (34 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Change of bowling as Mohammed Siraj replaces Bumrah. The incoming length delivery strikes Labuschagne on the box and he is hit on the same area next ball.
Siraj bowling on the stump as the Australia No 3 defends it on the leg side and blocks the next too for another maiden over.
India have managed to retain some control in this session, conceding seven runs from the first eight overs bowled so far after lunch, including five maidens.
Khawaja plays a nice straight drive, past mid-on for a boundary before he steers the fourth ball past the slips for another four to complete his fifty from 101 balls.
08:13 Aus in control after good start
Aus 119-1 (32 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Labuschange pushes away from his body as he edges Bumrah but the ball falls just short of Kohli at second slip.
Good leave from the right-hander as he judges the length to perfection, offering no shot to the back of length delivery which swings in and passes over the stumps.
Bumrah tries the bouncer as Labuschagne ducks under before the pacer oversteps before he blocks the last ball.
Bumrah oversteps for the first runs he has conceded after 16 dots in a session.
Akash Deep bowls a bit too straight as Labuschagne clips it on the leg side for one. Khawaja gets an outside edge off the full delivery which falls well short of the second slip fielder before he blocks the rest of the over.
08:04 Australia in control after good start
Aus 116-1 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Akash Deep gets the length ball to angle away as Khawaja is beaten in his attempt to defend before he leans forward to defend the next.
He leaves the length ball pitched wide of the stumps and blocks the next to make it three maidens in a row.
Bumrah continues to build up the pressure with another maiden over to Labuschagne.
Khawaja breaks the shackles as he pulls the short ball from Akash Deep for a boundary, the first runs for Australia in the second session after 24 dot balls in a row.
The next ball holds its line to beat Khawaja on the outside edge and plays and misses off the third ball.
Khawaja is beaten for the third ball in a row before he carefully keeps out the rest of the over.
07:53 Aus in control after good start
Aus 112-1 (27 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Akash Deep starts off with the ball in the post-lunch session. The first ball is full and swings away, as Khawaja is beaten on the outside edge before he leaves the next.
He blocks the third ball and gently drives the fourth to mid-off. He defends the fifth ball on the off-side and leaves the last ball as Akash Deep starts the session with a maiden over.
Bumrah from the other end. Labuschagne shuffles across before he leaves, withdrawing his bat at the last second and is hit high on the pads next ball.
A leg slip in place as Bumrah bowls back of length into Labuschagne but the ball is down the leg side and he leaves the next wide of the off-stump.
Sam Konstas
07:04 Konstas shines with fifty on debut
Aus 112-1 (25 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Bumrah back for his second spell, with around 12 minutes left for lunch. Khawaja misses the clip off his pads before he manages to push the next ball into the leg side.
The left-hander inside edges the third ball into the leg side followed by a leave.
He watchfully keeps out the last two balls to play out a maiden over from Bumrah.
Akash Deep back into the attack as he takes over from Jadeja. Labuschagne flicks the first ball through midwicket for a couple of runs and then takes one off the next.
Khawaja plays a nice drive off an overpitched as Siraj at mid-off can't stop the ball cleanly as he dives and ends up conceding three runs.
Bumrah to bowl the final over of the session. He completely squares up Khawaja as the left-hander gets a thick outside edge past gully for three runs.
Khawaja at his watchful best as he defends the next few before taking one and Labuschagne misses the last ball which is down the leg side.
Australia go into the lunch break on Day 1 on 112/1 in 25 overs.
Khawaja is unbeaten on a solid 38 from 73 balls, while Labuschagne has made 12.
But the morning session belonged to the debutant Konstas, who took apart Bumrah, on his way to an entertaining 60 from 65 balls.
Ravindra Jadeja celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Sam Konstas.
06:49 Jadeja strikes; Konstas out for 60
Aus 103-1 (22 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Akash Deep continues as Labuschagne shuffles across but is beaten on the outside edge and struck high on the pads to collect a leg bye.
Cracking delivery from Akash Deep as he gets the ball to hold its line and beaten Khawaja on the outside edge as he pushes forward to defend.
The left-hander clips the fourth ball on the leg side for one. Labuschagne shuffles across before he leaves and confidently blocks the last ball.
Jadeja continues as Khawaja sweeps the first ball fine for two runs and then takes one to fine leg.
Labuschagne rocks back to steer Jadeja's short ball behind point for a four and plays a similar shot a bit finer for another boundary as Australia go past 100, in the 22nd over.
06:41 Jadeja strikes; Konstas out for 60
Aus 90-1 (20 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas down the pitch as he manages to loft Akash Deep over the off-side for three runs.
Khawaja gets the edge off the fourth ball as he attempts to defend with the ball falling just short of Kohli at second slip before he keeps out the last two balls.
Jadeja brings India relief with the key wicket of Konstas, who is dismissed leg before wicket after a stunning knock of 60 from 65 balls on debut.
That was a full delivery which came straight in with the arm as Konstas was beaten on the inside edge and struck plumb in front. He has a chat with his partner Khawaja before deciding to walk off to a standing ovation from a packed Day 1 MCG crowd.
Marnus Labuschagne keeps out the first two balls he faces before taking a single off the fifth ball off the outside half.
06:32 Konstas smashes fifty on debut!
Aus 86-0 (18 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India make a change as spinner Ravindra Jadeja replaces Siraj, who bowled seven overs for 34 runs in his first spell.
The first ball is pitched up as Khawaja defends before he pulls the next behind square for a boundary.
The left-hander blocks the next two before pushing the fifth ball off the backfoot into the covers for one. Konstas watchfully blocks the last ball off the backfoot.
Another drinks break in the morning session considering the heat and humidity.
Khawaja watchfully plays out a maiden over from Akash Deep, only the fourth maiden over of the session.
In the next over, Jadeja has a confident shout for LBW turned down against Konstas.
The ball looks to be sliding down as India not opting for the review having already lost one.
Singles off the next three balls as Australia continue to keep the scoreboard moving along.
India have managed to get back some control with nine runs coming from the last four overs.
06:20 Konstas smashes fifty on debut!
Aus 78-0 (15 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas clips Siraj off his pads for a couple of runs to race to a half-century on debut from 52 balls, having hit five fours and two sixes.
What an incredible start to Test cricket for the 19-year-old. He managed to tame the world's best fast bowler with his ultra-aggressive approach to give Australia a flying start.
The next ball is short as Konstas pulls it over midwicket for a boundary.
He misses the pull shot off the third ball and is struck high on the pads and is forced to take some treatment.
Konstas taps Siraj on the leg side for a single and Khawaja does the same next ball.
Konstas again jumps down the pitch but fails to connect with the pull shot.
Akash Deep from round the wicket to Khawaja, who is beaten first ball as he pushes away from the body followed by a block.
Khawaja miscues the pull shot off Akash Deep but the ball clears the fielder running back from mid-on and Konstas has another play and miss off the short ball.
06:06 Konstas gives Australia flying start
Aus 69-0 (13 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Siraj from round the wicket. Khawaja keeps out the first two balls before he clips the third in the gap at midwicket for a single to turn the strike over to Konstas.
He makes room to cut Siraj past point for a couple of runs before he is beaten trying to pull the short ball.
The last ball is again a bouncer as the right-hander goes for the pull shot but fails to connect.
First change for India as Akash Deep replaces Bumrah.
Khawaja clips the first ball off his pads through midwicket for two runs and then mistimes the pull shot for a single.
Akash Deep bowls full as Konstas watchfully defends the next three balls, not wanting to take risks in the pacer's first over.
He clips the last ball off his pads in the gap at midwicket for a single to retain strike.
05:57 Konstas on the attack against Bumrah
Aus 62-0 (11 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas showing no respect for Bumrah as he makes room to hammer the pacer past the fielder at mid-off for a four.
He pulls the third ball for a couple of runs through midwicket for two runs to bring up Australia's 50, in the 11th over.
Kohli and Konstas having a few words after they bumped into each other at the end of the last over.
Konstas not holding back. He swings Bumrah's full delivery over long-on for a six. The debutant then makes room to steer the full toss past gully for a four to race to 43 from as many balls.
He mistimes the loft last ball but manages to clear mid-off for two runs.
Bumrah has had a forgettable first hour, going for 38 runs in his first six overs.
Sam Konstas
05:51 Konstas gives Australia good start!
Aus 44-0 (10 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas uses his feet to punch Siraj through the covers for two runs. He is beaten next ball by the incoming delivery which goes past the inside edge.
Konstas uses his feet to smash Siraj straight back, as the pacer does well to get his hand on it and save some runs.
Siraj now having a few words with the debutant, who is happy to just ignore it.
Konstas not fazed by Siraj as he continues his aggressive approach, making room to slash the pacer past point for a four. He fails to make proper connection with the pull shot, getting a single to deep midwicket.
05:45 Konstas on the attack against Bumrah
Aus 37-0 (9 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Khawaja will stick to his game plan of playing the conventional shots. He rocks back to pull Siraj through midwicket for three runs and Konstas runs down the track but inside edges it on to his pads before taking one next ball.
'This is like T20 cricket but entertaining' says Sunil Gavaskar on commentary referring to Konstas' approach.
Khawaja guides the last ball past the gully fielder for a couple of runs.
Bumrah to bowl his fifth over. The first ball swings into Konstas as the right-hander is struck high on the pads and the leg before shout is turned down.
The next ball is full and swings away this time as Konstas looks to defend but gets the edge which falls just short of Virat Kohli at second slip, who dives to his right to stop the ball on the half-volley.
Konstas is hit on the pads as he gets a leg bye before Khawaja is beaten on the outside edge as Siraj gets the ball to move away.
The last ball is overpitched as Khawaja plays a nice flick through square leg for a four.
Australia have made a good start as they reach 37 for no loss in nine overs at the first drinks break.
Konstas has stroked 20 from 32 balls, while Khawaja has looked solid on 16.
05:36 Konstas on the attack against Bumrah
Aus 26-0 (7 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas gets third time lucky! He walks across his stumps and this time he executes the scoop to perfection, hitting Bumrah over fine leg for a four.
No nerves on debut for the 19-year-old. He reverse scoops the next ball, hitting the world's best fast bowler for a six over thirdman.
He uses his feet but fails to connect the wide outswinger followed by a leave.
This is turning out to be an entertaining first hour. Konstas again reverses Bumrah over the slips for another boundary and blocks the last ball.
Bumrah goes for 14 runs in his fourth over as Australia reach 26 for no loss in seven overs.
Konstas has managed to score 19 from 27 balls, playing some risky shots to upset Bumrah's rhythm.
05:29 Australia off to a watchful start
Aus 12-0 (6 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Konstas tries the ramp again off Bumrah. He attempts another pre-meditated reverse ramp off the full wide delivery but is beaten by a long way.
Bumrah's line has been a bit wide as Konstas leaves the next two balls. He comes closer to the stumps last ball as the Australia opener inside edges the full delivery on to his pads.
In the next over, Khawaja plays a confident pull shot off Siraj for three runs through midwicket.
Konstas is beaten by the incoming delivery as India appeal for LBW but the impact is quite high.
Konstas now runs down the pitch and attempts a big heave across the line but fails to connect again.
Siraj not impressed as he has a few words with the debutant. But Konstas won't back out of his aggressive approach as he again uses his feet to flick the pacer through square leg for three runs.
05:20 Australia off to a watchful start
Aus 6-0 (4 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A huge moment for Konstas, 19, as he nudges Bumrah's second ball off his pads for a couple of runs through square leg to get off the mark in Test cricket.
The next ball shapes into the right-hander as he blocks it with a straight bat back to Bumrah followed by a leave.
Outrageous from Konstas as he attempts the reverse ramp shot off Bumrah but fails to get bat on it. Smiles all around as Bumrah and the non-striker Khawaja are surprised by the choice of shot.
The last ball moves away as Konstas is beaten on the outside edge.
Siraj from the other end. The ball shapes back into Khawaja, who is struck on the pads but the confident shout for leg before is turned down by umpire Michael Gough.
India have a quick chat amongst themselves before captain Rohit takes the review.
Khawaja was a long way down the track. The ball has struck in line but is going over the stumps as India lose their first review.
India might have thought they would have got the benefit of umpire's call and not lose the review but the ball is bouncing over.
The next ball slants away as Khawaja leaves and ignores the next which is down the leg side.
Siraj again drifts on the pads as Khawaja glances it fine for a boundary to get off the mark and blocks the last ball.
05:11 Aus elect to bat; India drop Gill
Aus 0-0 (2 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Mohammed Siraj from the other end. The first ball is left alone by Khawaja before he is beaten on the outside edge off the next ball as Siraj bowls a beauty in the perfect channel just on and around the off-stump.
The next ball again slants across the left-hander who pokes and is beaten and play and misses again for the third ball in a row.
Seven plays and misses off the first 10 deliveries!
Khawaja reads the line this time as he leaves the fifth ball and does the same next ball to end another brilliant over.
Good start from the two Indian pacers to kick off the Boxing Day Test with the bat yet to touch the ball in the opening two overs.
Sam Konstas
05:07 Aus elect to bat; India drop Gill
Aus 0-0 (1 ov) vs India | Scorecard
Australia have 19-year-old Konstas opening the batting with the experienced Usman Khawaja.
Konstas first up against Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a big threat with the ball in the series so far.
The right-hander offers no shot to the first ball pitched away from the line-of the off-stump. The next ball is closer to the stumps as Konstas pokes and misses.
He leaves the third ball followed by another play and miss and is beaten again off the last two balls to end a brilliant opening over from Bumrah.
04:59 Australia include Konstas, Boland
Check out the playing XIs:
Australia: Pat Cummins (captain), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w/k), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, K L Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (w/k), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
04:55 Aus win toss; elect to bat vs India
Welcome to the coverage of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Australia captain Pat Cummins has won the toss and elected to bat.
India have made a surprise call as the struggling Shubman Gill has been dropped with Washington Sundar picked in the playing XI.
Hosts Australia have made a couple of changes. Sam Konstas makes his debut as he takes the place of Nathan McSweeney, while Scott Boland comes in for Josh Hazlewood.
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