Australia’s batsmen take control against India on the first day of the fourth Test | Cricket News

Teenager Sam Konstas grabbed plenty of attention with a superb batting debut on the first day of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

India fought back with four late wickets to leave Australia at 311 for six on the first day of the fourth Test after teenage debutant Sam Konstas lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with an exciting knock in the morning.

Tempers ran high in front of 87,242 Boxing Day spectators on Thursday as Virat Kohli was booed by the home fans after he clashed on the field with Konstas after the 19-year-old smashed India’s bowlers early on in the park.

Konstas shrugged off the argument to score 60 from 65 balls as Australia’s top player rewarded captain Pat Cummins’ decision to bat after winning the toss.

Konstas was caught left-handed by Ravindra Jadeja after the second drinks break and stalked off to huge celebrations and the third-fastest half-century (50 from 52 balls) by an Australian Test debutant behind Adam Gilchrist and Ashton Agar.

“It was obviously pretty surreal, with the big crowd, the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in, and I feel like the guys welcomed me,” said Konstas, who has 11 first-class games to his name.

“So just play with that freedom and support myself and be happy to get a few runs today. Of course I’m a little disappointed with how I came out, but I hope we can gain some momentum for tomorrow.”

It was left to Jasprit Bumrah to keep India in the fight, pace spearhead bowling threat Travis Head grabbed a duck with the aging ball and sent all-rounder Mitchell Marsh falling behind for four.

Seamer Akash Deep later added 31 on the wicket of Alex Carey, breaking a quick 53 partnership with Steve Smith.

In the end a patient Smith was on 68 not out and Pat Cummins was on eight. Marnus Labuschagne made 72 and Usman Khawaja 57.

Bumrah became the top Indian bowler with 3-75.

The five-match series is tied 1-1 after India won by 295 runs in Perth before being beaten by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane has been drawn.