Tags: India tour of Australia 2024-25,
Australia vs India, 4th Test at Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024,
Australia,
India
Published on: December 26, 2024
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India showed immense determination in a tough second session on the first day of the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne in the ICC World Test Championship. Despite Australia’s good start, where Sam Konstas wreaked havoc in the morning session, Indian bowlers adapted their strategy after lunch, slowing the flow of runs and dismissing key hitter Usman Khawaja.
Indian bowlers fight back
After lunch, India adopted a disciplined approach, keeping Australia’s scoring rate in check. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah led the charge with well-thought-out plans. Siraj bowled tight lines, using a leg slip to Marnus Labuschagne and peppering him with short deliveries aimed at his body, even hitting him in the crotch on several occasions. This incessant pressure prevented Labuschagne from dominating as he usually does.
Jasprit Bumrah continued his golden run in the series removing Usman Khawaja, who painstakingly scored 57 off 121 balls. Khawaja looked unsteady throughout his innings but showed resilience to notch his first fifty of the series. However, his stay ended abruptly when he missed a short delivery from Bumrah straight to KL Rahul at mid-wicket. Although the dismissal may seem coincidental, it is a testament to Bumrah’s constant investigation.
Labuschagne holds the Fort
Marnus Labuschagne has been a tough nut to crack for the Indian bowlers, and today was no different. Despite suffering several close calls, Labuschagne remained unbeaten at tea on 44 from 109 balls. He was joined by Steven Smith, who played cautiously to reach 10 runs. The pair will be crucial for Australia to build on their foundations in the evening session.
The Kohli-Konstas clash
The morning session was not without drama as Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas got into a violent altercation midway through. The incident occurred after the 10th over when Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders, triggering heated reactions from both players. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, analyzing the footage, suggested Kohli could have provoked the confrontation by stepping out of Konstas’s way.
Although such tense moments are part of intense Test cricket, the altercation raised questions about whether it could have been avoided. For now, it added another layer of intrigue to an already gripping match.
Bumrah’s dominance in the series
With the dismissal of Khawaja, Bumrah has now taken 22 wickets in seven innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. The pacer has been relentless, displaying remarkable skill and temperament. Despite being targeted by Konstas in the first session, Bumrah remained composed, constantly creating opportunities for breakthroughs.
Final Thoughts
By the time tea was called, Australia stood at 164/3 after 59 overs. With Labuschagne and Smith at the crease, the hosts are in a stable position but far from dominating. India, on the other hand, will be pleased with their ability to halt Australia’s progress and will aim to continue their disciplined bowling in the final session.
The Melbourne Test promises more drama, skill and battles, both with the ball and between minds, as the day unfolds.
