His knock along with the tail put Australia in the driver’s seat as the hosts were eventually bowled out for 474 runs. Batting overnight with Smith, skipper Pat Cummins frustrated the Indian bowlers in the first session by scoring 49 runs. Australia scored 143 runs and lost a solitary wicket in the opening session. Tailenders Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland further played out a few overs to extend Australia’s already mammoth total.
Jasprit Bumrah was India’s best bowler with 4/99, while Ravindra Jadeja grabbed three wickets and Akash Deep got a couple of wickets to his name. Mohammed Siraj had a disappointing outing with 0/122 and leaking runs at above five an over.
On the first day of the Boxing Day Test The hosts had scored 311/6 in the 86 overs that were bowled. Debutant opener Sam Konstas gave Australia a quick start and scored 65 runs off 60 balls. He attacked India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah early in the match. His opening partner Usman Khawaj registered his first half century of the series before being dismissed for 57.
Marnus Labuschagne also scored a fighting 72 before Washington Sundar ended his innings.
India managed to pick only two wickets in the first two session as Australia reached 223/2. However, Jasprit Bumrah did what he does the best and picked up quick wickets as the hosts lost three wickets for nine runs. Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar got a wicket each.The day also had a controversy when Virat Kohli pushed Sam Konstas in frustration. The debutant reflecting on his heated exchange with the India batter Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, said that the emotions got to both of them.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) officials will review the incident between Kohli and Konstas at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to cricket.com.au.
Both Kohli and Konstas walked into each other before exchanging words. Australia opener Usman Khawaja tried to calm the situation, putting his arm around the India talisman batter. Umpire Michael Gough also came into action and played the role of peacemaker. As per cricket.com.au, match referee Andy Pycroft is certain to look at the incident.
