Australia reach 176 for two at tea on day 1 against India

Debutant teenager Sam Konstas set the tone with an audacious half-century as Australia cashed in on an erratic Indian bowling to reach 176 for 2 at tea on day one of the fourth Test here on Thursday (December 26, 2024).

Australia seized control on the opening day of the fourth Test against India on Thursday on the back of half-centuries from fearless teenage opener Sam Konstas and dogged veteran Usman Khawaja.

Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss on a steamy day, they were an ominous 176-2 by the break at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Marnus



Labuschagne was not out 44 and Steve Smith on 10 with Khawaja (57) the only wicket to fall in the second session, where 64 runs were added.

A carefree Konstas was out before lunch for a whirlwind 60 off 65 balls in a debut to remember, slamming 18 off one Jasprit Bumrah over and having a run-in with superstar Virat Kohli.

Making his debut in-front of a near sell-out Boxing Day crowd, Konstas didn’t show any nerves during his scintillating 60 off 65 balls, which comprised of two sixes off India’s best bowler Jasprit Bumrah.