Thu Dec 26 11:27:31 UTC 2024: ## Australia Dominates Day 1 of Boxing Day Test Against India
**Melbourne, Australia:** Australia ended day one of the fourth Ashes Test against India on a strong footing, reaching 311/6 at the close of play. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Australians enjoyed a productive day despite a spirited fightback from the Indian bowlers.
Debutant opener Sam Constanti, aged 19 years and 85 days, impressed with a score of 60. Usman Khawaja also contributed a solid 57, while Marnus Labuschagne scored 72 and Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68 at stumps. The top four Australian batsmen all scored fifties.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 75 runs off 21 overs. He was instrumental in turning the tide after a strong start by Australia, claiming the crucial wickets of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh. Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar each took a wicket.
The match holds significant importance for both teams, particularly India who need a victory to bolster their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. The Boxing Day Test, played annually after Christmas, has seen India win only twice in nine previous encounters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This time, however, India will be looking for a hat-trick of Boxing Day victories in Australia.
Australia made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Constanti for Nathan McAndrew and Scott Boland for Josh Hazlewood. India’s likely playing XI was also mentioned in the report. While Smith’s unbeaten innings poses a significant challenge for India on Day 2, the Indian bowlers will be looking to quickly dismantle the remaining Australian batsmen to prevent a large first innings total.
First Piper 