Teenager Sam Konstas hit a pulsating half-century on his Australia debut on a thrilling opening day of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne.
The 19-year-old opener, Australia men’s youngest Test batting debutant since 1953, smashed 60 from 65 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
Konstas was also involved in a heated confrontation with India’s Virat Kohli, clashing shoulders with the India batter at the end of an over, before departing to a standing ovation after being trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja.
Fellow opener Usman Khawaja rediscovered his form, hitting a first half-century in 12 innings before departing for 57 after lunch.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then put on 83 for the fourth wicket as Australia pressed home their advantage in the evening session.
But Labuschagne’s departure for 72 led to Australia losing three wickets for just nine runs, with the lively Bumrah removing Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession.
Akash Deep then took the late wicket of Alex Carey for 31 with the new ball, before the hosts closed out the day on 311-6.
A crowd of more than 87,000 packed into the MCG for the traditional Boxing Day Test, which took place under cloudy skies but sweltering temperatures pushing close to 39 degrees.
The five-match series is level at 1-1, with both sides needing to win the series 3-1 to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship final. (BBC)
