Konstas, Khawaja Set the Stage for Australia on Boxing Day

 Konstas, Khawaja Set the Stage for Australia on Boxing Day

Australia began their Boxing Day Test in style, putting up a strong performance on Day 1 in Melbourne. By the Tea break, they were sitting comfortably at 176/2, thanks to a fearless knock by debutant Sam Konstas and a steady innings by Usman Khawaja. Although both openers fell after scoring half-centuries, they gave Australia the perfect launchpad. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne was holding the fort and inching closer to his fifty.

Morning Session: A Star is Born

The morning session belonged to the 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who walked out for his debut and made a statement no one will forget anytime soon. Facing one of the world’s best pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showed no fear. His approach was refreshing and, quite frankly, audacious. A reverse scoop here, a fearless drive there, and suddenly the debutant had Bumrah scrambling for answers.

In the seventh over, Konstas connected thrice with his reverse scoops, sending two to the boundary and one over it. Bumrah, known for his composure, looked visibly unsettled, a rare sight in Test cricket. The youngster wasn’t just scoring runs; he was dictating terms.

He raced to a half-century in just 52 balls, becoming Australia’s second-youngest Test half-centurion. The knock wasn’t just about runs—it was about the message: Konstas is here to play. His dismissal, trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja, brought his brilliant knock of 60 runs to an end, but by then, the damage had been done.

Afternoon Session: A Slow Grind

After the fireworks of the morning, the second session saw India tighten their grip. The ball had softened, the pitch offered little, and India’s bowlers—particularly Bumrah and Akash Deep—adapted beautifully. They bowled with discipline, conceding just 26 runs in the first hour after lunch.

Usman Khawaja, who had quietly anchored one end, brought up his fifty. However, his innings ended in an unexpected fashion. A harmless short ball from Bumrah was toe-ended straight to mid-wicket, leaving even Bumrah looking surprised. This dismissal marked the fifth time Bumrah had sent Khawaja back to the pavilion in this series.

Labuschagne, meanwhile, had his share of struggles. Mohammed Siraj tested him with sharp deliveries, including a couple that struck him painfully, but the Australian No. 3 showed grit. His focus on rotating the strike helped Australia maintain momentum, albeit at a slower pace.

What Made the Day Special?

The Boxing Day Test is always a grand occasion, and this year was no different. The crowd at the MCG witnessed a mix of aggression and resilience from the Australian batters. Sam Konstas gave fans a taste of the future with his bold stroke play, while Khawaja and Labuschagne showed why they’re such reliable anchors for the team.

India, on the other hand, will be ruing missed opportunities. Edges didn’t carry, half-chances went begging, and the bowlers couldn’t consistently trouble the batters in the morning. However, their disciplined effort in the afternoon kept Australia from running away with the game.

Brief Scores at Tea

Australia: 176/2

• Sam Konstas: 60 (65 balls, 8x4, 2x6)
• Usman Khawaja: 57
• Marnus Labuschagne: 44*
• Ravindra Jadeja: 1/33

Looking Ahead

With Labuschagne well-set and Australia’s middle order yet to come, Day 2 promises more action. For India, early wickets will be crucial if they want to wrestle back control of the game. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the Boxing Day Test is living up to its reputation.