With the MCG shrouded in heavy cloud cover as play began, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact, extracting considerable seam and swing in their opening overs. However, Sam Konstas remained positive and, after a couple of early misses, took the attack to the more experienced Bumrah.
A scoop for four was followed by reverse scoops, one for four and another for six. In the same spell, Konstas continued his aggressive play, hitting a four and a six down the ground, before expertly guiding a low full-toss from Bumrah past gully for another boundary. Meanwhile, Khawaja punished anything on his pads, and the partnership surged towards 90 runs.
Rohit Sharma responded by bringing in Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja to slow the momentum, and it worked brilliantly. Jadeja’s slider went past Konstas’ inside edge, sending him back for 60 off 65 balls. A couple of Marnus Labuschagne boundaries kept Australia moving, and they reached Lunch at 112/1.
The second session began with four maidens and just 22 runs off the first 10 overs. Both batters looked comfortable under the now clear blue sky, and Khawaja quietly brought up his fifty. The partnership moved to 65 when the opener made a rash decision, pulling a short Bumrah delivery straight to short midwicket.
However, the setback did little to harm Australia’s chances, as Steve Smith looked in solid form, rekindling his partnership with his protege. The two guided the team to Tea at 176/2, having added 83 runs together.
Australia’s troubles resurfaced after Tea with a soft dismissal, as Marnus Labuschagne stepped down the track to Washington Sundar, only to launch a catch straight to mid-off. Bumrah then struck with a beauty, nipping the ball under Travis Head’s raised arms and removing the bails.
Not long after, Bumrah found extra bounce and took Mitchell Marsh’s top edge through to Rishabh Pant, leaving Australia at 246/5 after being well-placed at 237/2.
18 yrs Harbhajan Singh vs Ricky Ponting 🤐 #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/OQ8kppMAlO
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 26, 2024
Alex Carey and Steve Smith then scored quickly against the old ball, taking advantage of a tired attack late in the day. However, Akash Deep broke another vital stand when Carey, caught in two minds, feathered an edge to Pant off a channel delivery. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68 as Australia closed the day at 311/6, with Pat Cummins at the crease.