Boxing Day Test 2024 Day 1: India’s Fightback After Australia’s Dominance at the MCG

Boxing Day Test 2024 Day 1: India's Fightback After Australia's Dominance at the MCG.
Boxing Day Test 2024 Day 1: India's Fightback After Australia's Dominance at the MCG.[ Source: @mufaddal_vohra /X.com ]

Boxing Day Test 2024 Day 1: Australia vs India Highlights

Australia’s top-order brilliance headlined Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. It was highly anticipated. But, India clawed back late in the day to leave the match finely poised. By stumps, Australia was 311/6 after 86 overs, with Steve Smith (68*) and Pat Cummins (8*) at the crease.

Konstas Shines on Debut Before India’s Comeback

Sam Konstas‘ Fiery Debut Australia won the toss and chose to bat on a hard, batting-friendly pitch. All eyes were on 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. He announced himself in style, smashing a 52-ball fifty. It was the third-fastest half-century by an Australian on debut in Tests. Konstas opened with Usman Khawaja. He then played some bold strokes. They included scoops and reverse scoops, even against India’s Bumrah. The debutant’s fearless knock ended at 60 off 65 balls when Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw. This broke an 89-1 run opening stand.

Australia’s Steady Progress Khawaja (57) and Labuschagne (50) added 50 runs. They used a cautious, classical Test approach. But, Bumrah and Sundar took timely wickets to dismiss Khawaja and Labuschagne. This curbed Australia’s momentum.

Smith and Head Stumble Amidst Indian Fightback. After a 50-run stand between Smith and Labuschagne, Bumrah struck. He dismissed Travis Head for a duck on seven balls. He removed Mitchell Marsh shortly after. Washington Sundar also made a key breakthrough. He dismissed Labuschagne just as he looked set for a big score.

India’s Bowling Response: Bumrah Leads the Pack

Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s attack, finishing Day 1 with figures of 3/75. His bursts with the new ball in the evening session brought India back into the game. Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar took a wicket each. This stopped Australia from running away with the day.

On Day 2, India will try to use the second new ball. They want to end Australia’s innings before Smith, who is not out on 68, can build on his score.

Full Session Breakdown

  • Session 1: 25 Overs, 112 Runs, 1 Wicket
  • Session 2: 28 Overs, 64 Runs, 1 Wicket
  • Session 3: 33 Overs, 135 Runs, 4 Wickets

Record-Breaking Attendance

An electrifying crowd of 87,242 fans packed the MCG. It was the fourth-highest attendance for a Boxing Day Test. It was also the largest for an Australia-India Test at this iconic venue.

Key Stats from Day 1

  • Highest Run-Scorers at the MCG (Tests):
    • Don Bradman: 1671 runs
    • Ricky Ponting: 1338 runs
    • Steve Waugh: 1284 runs
    • Steve Smith: 1161* runs (still active)

What to Expect on Day 2

With the pitch now offering variable bounce and the new ball in play, India will try to finish Australia’s innings early. For Australia, Steve Smith’s ability to guide the lower order and push the total past 350 will be critical.