India staged a determined comeback on the opening day of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), leaving Australia at 311/6 at stumps. Despite strong contributions from Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja, the Indian bowlers managed to keep the game evenly poised.

The day began with debutant Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja giving Australia an ideal start. The pair built a solid 89-run opening partnership, frustrating India’s bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

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Konstas impressed in his maiden international innings, displaying maturity and fearlessness against a potent Indian pace attack. The 19-year-old scored a brisk 60 off 65 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes before falling to Ravindra Jadeja. Khawaja, meanwhile, played a more measured knock, reaching his fifty in the 34th over with a crisp boundary between second slip and gully.

India’s bowlers initially found it challenging to break through the Australian top order. The Aussies went into the lunch break at 112/1, with Khawaja and Labuschagne at the crease. The first session firmly belonged to the hosts, as they capitalized on the steady foundation laid by their openers.

In the second session, Australia scored 64 runs, but India began clawing their way back. Khawaja and Labuschagne added a vital 65-run stand, but the visitors managed to dismiss Khawaja for 57 off 121 balls, with Bumrah claiming his wicket for the fifth time in the series.

Labuschagne then partnered with Steve Smith to add 83 runs for the third wicket. However, India struck back late in the session when Washington Sundar dismissed Labuschagne for 59, caught by Virat Kohli.

After tea, Australia resumed at 176/2, but Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell disrupted their momentum. Travis Head fell for a seven-ball duck, bowled by Bumrah, followed by Mitchell Marsh, who was caught behind for just 4. This sudden collapse left the hosts reeling at 246/5.

Steve Smith, however, steadied the innings with a composed 68 not out, laced with five boundaries and a six. Alex Carey supported Smith with a quick-fire 31 off 41 balls before being dismissed by Akash Deep with the second new ball.

Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer for India, finishing with figures of 3/75, while Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar chipped in with one wicket each. Akash Deep claimed the crucial final wicket of the day.

Brief score: