Melbourne, December 27 – Riding on a stellar century by Steve Smith and half-centuries from Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and debutant Sam Constas, Australia posted a formidable 474 runs in their first innings against India in the Boxing Day Test. The second day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match saw Smith anchor the innings with a sublime 140 runs, while India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, tried to keep the Australian total in check.
Australia’s Dominance with the Bat
Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat, and the decision paid off as openers Sam Constas and Usman Khawaja provided a solid foundation.
- Sam Constas (60) attacked from the outset, treating the Indian bowlers with disdain, particularly targeting Bumrah. His aggressive knock off 65 balls included six boundaries and two sixes. Constas brought up his half-century in style but was eventually trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja, breaking the 89-run opening stand.
- Usman Khawaja (57) held the innings together with a composed half-century, partnering with Marnus Labuschagne (72) for a 65-run stand for the second wicket. Bumrah dismissed Khawaja at 154, giving India a much-needed breakthrough.
Labuschagne and Smith steadied the innings, adding 83 runs for the third wicket before Washington Sundar struck, dismissing Labuschagne for 72.
Steve Smith’s Masterclass
Steve Smith played a commanding knock, leading the Australian innings with his 140 off 227 balls, showcasing a masterclass in technique and temperament.
- Smith was ably supported by Pat Cummins (49), with the duo forging a crucial 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Smith reached his century in style and continued to frustrate the Indian bowlers until he was finally bowled by Akash Deep at the team score of 455.
India’s Bowling Effort
India’s bowlers toiled hard on a batting-friendly surface but managed to secure breakthroughs at key intervals:
- Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with 4 wickets, including the dismissals of Travis Head (0), Mitchell Marsh (4), and Nathan Lyon (13).
- Ravindra Jadeja contributed with 3 wickets, including the scalps of Constas, Cummins, and Mitchell Starc.
- Debutant Akash Deep claimed 2 wickets, dismissing Alex Carey and the centurion Smith.
- Washington Sundar chipped in with a wicket, breaking the Labuschagne-Smith stand.
Australia’s Innings Breakdown
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Constas | 60 | 65 | LBW b Jadeja |
| Usman Khawaja | 57 | 101 | c Rahul b Bumrah |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 72 | 115 | c Pant b Sundar |
| Steve Smith | 140 | 227 | b Akash Deep |
| Pat Cummins | 49 | 97 | c Kohli b Jadeja |
End of Australian Innings
Australia’s innings concluded at 474, with Scott Boland (6)* remaining unbeaten. The team’s aggressive yet disciplined batting has put them in a commanding position, leaving India with a significant challenge ahead.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.