IND vs AUS: Strong Position For AUS With Key Half-Centuries
Australia Dominates on IND vs AUS, day 1 of the Boxing Day Test with key half-centuries.

On the first day of the Boxing Day IND vs AUS Test at the MCG, Australia dominated the proceedings, with several key players making crucial contributions. Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an impressive batting display. Despite being given the daunting task of facing Jasprit Bumrah on the first day, it was a team effort from Constas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith that took Australia to a very good position. In the last session, India could not make any substantial inroads against Jasprit Bumrah, and Australia finished the day in a very safe position.
Constas’ Fearless Approach Against Bumrah in IND vs AUS

The match started with 19-year-old Sam Constas, who was making his Test debut. He looked confident, especially when facing the world’s number-one bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Before the match, he had said that he was well prepared for Bumrah, and it reflected in his performance on Day 1, where he seemed composed. After surviving a maiden over from Bumrah, Constas let loose his full gamut of strokes in the very next over, targeting the fast bowler with reverse ramps and scoops. Though he was beaten a couple of times, commentators as well as viewers were stunned by the unorthodox shots of the young debutant.
The aggressiveness paid off as four fours and two sixes came off Bumrah’s bowling, as many as 34 runs off as few as 33 balls. It is almost miraculous that Constas is only the second batsman after Jos Buttler to have managed to hit more than one six off Bumrah in Tests. Bumrah had not conceded a six in Tests since 2021. Constas’ attack was a result of the work put in and his confidence level.
A Fast Fifty for Constas on Day 1 IND vs AUS

Constas did not just limit his attack to Bumrah; he took on the entire Indian bowling with the same aggression.
His 50 off just 51 balls is the third-fastest half-century by an Australian debutant in Test cricket. But before Constas could reach his maiden Test hundred, disaster struck. Jadeja’s bowling in the second session had him caught plumb in front by a perfect incoming arm ball and he had to walk back for a well-made 60.
Khawaja’s Steady Half-Century

Constas’s blistering knock had set the tone, and Australia lost just one wicket by lunch. After the break, it was Usman Khawaja’s turn to complete his half-century. His 50 came with a decent pace, and it seemed that he was in control. Just when it seemed that his innings would go on seamlessly, he fell to the fifth wicket of the series, Jasprit Bumrah. Still, though, Australia’s top order had given a solid start.
Labuschagne and Smith Setting the Pace

With Khawaja leaving the field, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith took charge of the Australian innings. The pair shared a crucial partnership, adding 83 runs in 127 balls for the third wicket. Both players completed their half-centuries, ensuring that Australia’s top four batsmen all scored fifties on the first day—a remarkable feat. Labuschagne, in particular, looked comfortable at the crease, playing with a solid technique, while Smith was his usual self, looking assured in his strokes.
Bumrah’s Late Fightback

As the day went on, India’s bowling couldn’t restrict the flow of runs for the Australian batsmen. However, Jasprit Bumrah, who had already sent down a tough spell in the first half of the day, came back in the last session with more energy. Bumrah attempted to give India an early breakthrough by getting Travis Head, who was on fire, for a duck, and Mitchell Marsh for a mere four runs. But nothing much changed, as the Aussies continued to drive ahead with Steve Smith maintaining one end.
Smith Unbeaten as Day 1 Closes

At the end of play, Steve Smith was still unbeaten on 68 runs, with Pat Cummins providing solid support at the other end on eight not out.
The Australian captain’s calm approach ensured that the hosts maintained their advantage, finishing the day in a commanding position with the score at 258/5. Despite a spirited fightback from Bumrah, India would need to produce a remarkable performance on Day 2 to wrest control of the match from Australia.
Australia in Command After Day 1

The first day of the Boxing Day Test firmly belonged to Australia, as several key players contributed to a strong batting display.
Sam Constas started very well with some bold stroke play against Bumrah that set the tone for the innings. Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Smith all batted well with half-centuries each to their names. By the end of the session, Bumrah had managed to grab a few vital wickets but Australia still held a good position. The Indian bowlers, especially Bumrah, will have to pick themselves up and get breakthroughs on Day 2 to challenge the Australian total.
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