India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Still No Sundar But Jadeja Returns

A rather strange call from skipper Rohit Sharma to not introduce Washington Sundar to the team while Ravindra Jadeja has returned to bowl for the second time. Another bold call by Rohit but can Jadeja provide India a second breakthrough?

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Could Nitish Reddy Give India Breakthrough?

The partnership between Khawaja and Labuschagne set to touch the 50-run mark as India struggle for wickets in the second session as well. Rohit Sharma has taken a big gamble by bringing on Nitish Kumar Reddy, a player who hasn’t done as well with the ball as he has with the bat. 

AUS 138/1 (38 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: 2 runs off the over

As his regular pace attack falters against Australia’s strong batting line-up, India skipper Rohit Sharma hands over the ball to all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. In his first over, Reddy leaks only two runs as India are eager to get a wicket. The duo of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne is comfortably taking Australia ahead in the game. 

AUS 136/1 (36 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Khawaja hits 50

FIFTY!!! Usman Khawaja hits a boundary off Akash Deep’s delivery and completes his half-century. It is his 27th half-century for Australia in the longest format and he brings it up in 101 balls. The partnership between Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne is keeping Australia in the dominating position as India completely look clueless. They need to scalp a wicket at the earliest. 

AUS 127/1 (33.4 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Siraj hits Labuschagne at wrong spot

India skipper Rohit Sharma calls pacer Mohammed Siraj back into the attack after a brief hiatus. On this very first delivery, Siraj bowls a bouncer and hits Marnus Labuschagne at the wrong spot. Labuschagne writhers in pain as the medical staff rushes on the ground to check on him. The match gets halted for a while and then resumes. In his over, Siraj did not concede a single run. 

AUS 119/1 (33 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Labuschagne survives close-call

WOAHHH!!! Jasprit Bumrah was about to provide India with their second wicket but luck favoured Marnus Labuschagne. A length ball shaping in from outside off and straightening a touch after landing, also kept a shade low. Labuschagne tries to play a defensive shot but the ball hits the edge and looks like a catch. However, it falls short in front of Virat Kohli, who was placed at the second slip. Hard luck for Bumrah!

AUS 116/1 (30.1 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: FOUR, Khawaja nears 50

FOUR!!!! After playing four maiden overs in a row, Usman Khawaja roars with a terrific boundary off Akash Deep. A shortish delivery outside off, comes at a good height to Khawaja. He stands tall and pulls it with aplomb over mid-wicket to get the desired result. With this, Khawaja has breached the 40-run mark and inching closer towards his half-century. 

AUS 116/1 (29.1 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Three maidens in a row

WOW!!! Despite holding a good momentum, Australian batters are showing a cautious approach against India’s pace attack in this session. So far, three overs have been bowled and all of them went maiden. India skipper Rohit Sharma always relies on his premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah as India are hungry for their second wicket. 

AUS 112/1 (28 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Maiden Over

Akash Deep gives a sigh of relief to India as he bowls a maiden in the first over of the second session. Rohit Sharma and co are desperately waiting for their second breakthrough as this match is a big test for the skipper. However, the duo of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are confident in their approach and not giving any chance to the Indian bowlers. 

AUS 112/1 (26 over)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: 2nd session begins

Hello and welcome to the second session on Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Before going for Lunch, Australia’s score read 112/1 in 25 overs with Usman Khawaja (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (12*) standing unbeaten at the crease. In this session, the duo of Khawaja and Labuschagne will look to take their partnership as deep as they can and add some valuable runs to Australia’s total. On the other hand, Akash Deep will be bowling the first over of the session for India. Let’s play!!! 

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Lunch

This marks the end of the first session on Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. At Lunch, Australia’s score read 112/1 in 25 overs with Usman Khawaja (38*) and Marnus Labuschagne (12*) standing unbeaten at the crease. In the first session, Australia got a terrific star as the 19-year-old Sam Konstas hammered 60 runs before getting dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. We will be right back after the break! 

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Rohit turns to Bumrah again

After giving a short break, India skipper Rohit Sharma turns back to his premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the visitors are hungry for another wicket. In his previous over, Bumrah bowls a maiden and controls the run flow. However, the duo of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne is also looking in good touch and India cannot afford another solid partnership from the hosts. 

AUS 103/1 (23 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: 11 runs off the over

Despite the dismissal of Sam Konstas for 60, Australia are still having a good momentum as the batters are confidently dealing in boundaries. Usman Khawaja has been joined by Marnus Labuschagne at the crease and in the previous over of Ravindra Jadeja, the duo scores 11 runs. This include two back-to-back boundaries from Labuschagne. 

AUS 103/1 (22 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: OUT

OUT!!!! Finally!!! Skipper Rohit Sharma’s plan works and India get their first wicket. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stands on the expectations of the fans and dismisses the dangerous, young debutant Sam Konstas for 60. Jadeja strikes directly onto the pads of Konstas as the on-field umpire wastes no time and signals LBW out. The Australian batter did not even opt for a DRS and walked back to the dugout. First wicket gone for Australia. 

AUS 89/1 (19.2 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: Rohit opts for Plan B

After the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep fail to provide India a breakthrough, skipper Rohit Sharma turns to spinner Ravindra Jadeja. In his first over, Jadeja concedes five runs, which include a terrific boundary from Usman Khawaja. The duo of Khawaja and Sam Konstas is creating a lot of trouble for India. 

AUS 83/0 (16 overs)

IND vs AUS 4th Test Day 1, Live: India eye wickets

As the Australian openers Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas are confident in their approach and strong taking their side ahead in the game, the Indian bowlers are desperate for a breakthrough. India skipper Rohit Sharma all his three pacers and they are unable to scalp a wicket. In the previous over of Akash Deep, the Australian duo scores one run. 

AUS 78/0 (15 overs)

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: FIFTY For Sam Konstas

Sam Konstas continues to march on 6th gear and completes his half-century in just 52 balls. A brilliant counter-attacking knock from the Australian debutant as Indian bowlers look out of ideas. This is a big test of Rohit Sharma’s captaincy as the wait for the first wicket continues.

IND vs AUS 4th Test Live: What Happened Between Konstas And Kohli

Virat Kohli seems to be thinking out of the box to get under Sam Konstas’ skin. A look at the incident.

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged a heated moment on the MCG. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QL13nZ9IGI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2024

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Konstas Inching Closer To His Fifty

Some stunning visuals from the middle as Sam Konstas manages to extract 16 runs from Jasprit Bumrah’s over, with the help of 2 fours and a six. India are struggling to contain the explosive Aussie opener at the moment. Need a change of plan.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Sam Konstas Playing T20 Cricket

Despite being a debutant, Sam Konstas doesn’t seem to be fearing anyone. The rookie batter is advancing down the track and taking the bowlers on with little hesitation. A brief clash with Siraj and Kohli also seen on the pitch. It’s turning out to be quite an eventful first session.

IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Konstas Stands Tall Against Bumrah

The 19-year-old Australian debutant’s creative style to counter Jasprit Bumrah has reaped its rewards so far. Not the finest of starts from the Indian pace duo as Australia muster up 37 runs from the first 9 overs of the Boxing Day Test. It’s time for a short drinks break in the middle. 

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Konstas Gets Creative, Smashes Bumrah

Sam Konstas begins the 7th over of the match by hitting 10 runs off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling. Two scoop shots – one customary and the other reverse – to hit a 4 and 6 respectively. The Australia opener tries another reverse-scoop again on the 5th delivery and manages to add 4 more runs to his and Australia’s total. This must rattle Bumrah.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: India’s Wicket-Hunt Continues

No success for the Indian duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj yet while 6 overs have gone. Another strong LBW appeal by Siraj but turned down by the umpire this time as well. No DRS taken. Konstas advances down the track to smash Siraj but makes no connection with the ball, gets a few words from the India pacer.

India vs Australia 4th Test: DRS Waisted By India Early

A big LBW appeal from India as Mohammed Siraj hits an advancing Usman Khawaja on the pads. DRS taken by India after the umpire ruled the on-field decision in the favour of the Australia batter. Ball tracking shows that the delivery would’ve gone over the stumps. Khawaja stays!

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Konstas Attempts Reverse Scoop

Some intriguing visuals from the middle as Sam Konstas attempts reverse-scoop against Jasprit Bumrah. A little reaction from the India pacer witnessed too as Australia put first runs on the board.

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Maiden From Siraj Too

Mohammed Siraj begins with a maiden over too, causing plenty of trouble to the left-handed Usman Khawaja. No runs on the board from Australia yet.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Maiden Over From Jasprit Bumrah

A maiden over to start with from Jasprit Bumrah. Sam Konstas took the strike and didn’t manage to put his bat on the ball on any of the six deliveries. A nervy start for the 19-year-old Australian debutant as Bumrah makes expectations clear.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: We Are Underway!

Jasprit Bumrah begins India’s attack with the ball as Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja open the batting for Australia at the MCG. Enthralling times ahead. 

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: MCG Pitch Report

Sunil Gavaskar and Mark Nicholas with the pitch report: “The heavy roller is doing its bit on the surface. There’s a lot of grass on the surface, day 1 pitch, there will be plenty in it for the bowlers. As the sun beats down, batting will become easier. 7mm grass on the surface, it might be slightly tacky at the start. The first couple of hours will be a real test for the batters. The conditions are really hot.”

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Harsha Bhogle Unhappy With India’s XI

Harsha Bhogle not entire convinced with Team India’s playing XI selection.

“I hope it goes well but I am a touch uncomfortable with this team. Jadeja at 6, Nitish at 7 and Washington at 8 seems a long lower middle order but effectively, with 5 bowlers, Nitish is being preferred to Gill as a batter. Fingers crossed,” he posted on X.

I hope it goes well but I am a touch uncomfortable with this team. Jadeja at 6, Nitish at 7 and Washington at 8 seems a long lower middle order but effectively, with 5 bowlers, Nitish is being preferred to Gill as a batter. Fingers crossed

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 25, 2024

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1: Konstas 4th Youngest Test Debutant For Australia

Sam Konstas becomes the 4th youngest Test debutant for Australia. Here’s how he stacks up against the others…

17y 239d: Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953

18y 193d: Pat Cummins vs SA Joburg 2011

18y 232d: Tom Garrett vs Eng Melbourne 1877

19y 85d: Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024

19y 96: Clem Hill vs Eng Lord’s 1896

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: How The Two Teams Are Shaping Up

Here’s a look at the playing XIs of both the teams:

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: Australia Opt To Bat

Australia captain Pat Cummins have won the toss and opted to bat first. India make a big change in playing XI, with Shubman Gill being dropped in favour of an additional spinner who is Washington Sundar. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, is set to open this time.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: India Look To Make It Hat-trick Of Wins

India have beaten Australia at the MCG over the last two visits, in 2018 and 2020. Will Rohit Sharma’s men make it 3 in 3 this time and take the crucial 2-1 lead in the 5-match series?

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Sam Konstas’ Big Debut

Australian rookie Sam Konstas is all set to make his debut at the ‘G’ in the Boxing Day Test against India. He has been keen to face India’s Jasprit Bumrah and this battle could shape up the Test. We are minutes away from the toss.

India vs Australia 4th Test Live: A Look At MCG Wicket

Here’s a quick look at the pitch that will be used on Day 1 at MCG. Pacers are expected to be delighted seeing the amount of grass that is visible on the wicket this morning. What do you think?

Hello and good morning from Melbourne. We are 30 minutes away from toss and here’s the Day 1 pitch for the Boxing Day Test. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/toGMIACq42

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2024

India vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 Live: Focus On India’s Team Composition

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Day 1 of the 4th Test between India and Australia from the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Boxing Day Test is here and it is expected to be a cracker. India’s playing XI will be in the spotlight, especially with regards to skipper Rohit Sharma’s batting position. Ravindra Jadeja featured as the lone spinner in Brisbane but would that continue or Tanush Kotian will get to make this debut? We will find out as the toss takes place at 4:30 AM IST.