Konstas shines on debut in Australia's strong start

Sam Konstas shone on his Test debut for Australia, with his half-century spurring the hosts forward on day one of the fourth Test against India.

Australia reached stumps at 311-6 on Boxing Day, though the tourists will feel slightly more confident after a strong finish out in the field.

The 19-year-old opener, who became the youngest Test batting debutant since 1953, raced to 60 off 65 balls, while he was also involved in a heated confrontation with Virat Kohli, clashing shoulders at the end of an over, in a memorable introduction.

He was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, departing to a standing ovation in Melbourne, while fellow opener Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steve Smith (68 not out) also brought up half-centuries, though at a much steadier pace.

However, Jasprit Bumrah (3-75) found his rhythm later in the day as Australia lost three wickets for nine runs, bowling Travis Head for a duck before Mitchell Marsh followed with just four runs shortly after.

Akash Deep kept India in the contest with a late wicket to end Alex Carey's stand at 31, and Australia will resume on Friday with Smith and Pat Cummings (eight not out) at the crease.

Steve Smith remains unbeaten at the end of Day 1 as India fight back in the final session.#WTC25 | #AUSvIND : https://t.co/rwOpsAESqm pic.twitter.com/NCLraL69Xc

— ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2024

Data Debrief: A Boxing Day to remember

Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in Australia's squad ahead of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and he showed what he is made of in a memorable first outing.

His knock of 60 included six fours and two sixes, including the first six off Bumrah in the longest format since Cameron Green in 2021, and only the sixth off him overall.

But, it was also the first time since Rawalpindi in 2022 that Australia's top four have all plundered half-centuries in the same innings.

It is still all to play for in the series, with the teams currently tied at 1-1. Both Australia and India are in need of a 3-1 win to guarantee a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.