Australia got off to a strong start on day one of the Boxing Day Test match against India on Thursday in Melbourne, with openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja laying the foundation with promising innings of 60 and 57 respectively. Making an outstanding Test debut, young gun Sam Konstas played a few sensational shots to rack up 60 runs. Noticeably, he took on one of the most challenging bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, playing a reverse-ramp shot over slips for a massive six.
Australia brought him into the squad ahead of the fourth Test as a replacement for Nathan McSweeney, who had failed to capitalise on the landed opportunity. However, it appears that young sensation Konstas has lived up to the expectations. Marnus Labuschagne also added valuable 72 off 145 to contribute to Australia's powerful start. However, after enjoying a great start, Australia were dealt heavy blows with the wickets of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh in quick succession. Head scored none, while Marsh could get 4 runs.
India, in the final session, pulled things back and applied pressure back on Australia with a determined bowling attack. Despite the pressure, veteran batter Steve Smith and Alex Carey maintained the pace to stitch a 53-run partnerhsip. Alex Carey, however, failed to last long after being taken out by Akash Deep. Still, Australia managed to get to 311/6 at stumps on day one. Steve Smith and skipper Pat Cummins were unbeaten on 68 and 8 respectively at stumps. Earlier, Australian skipper Pat Cummins had decided to bat after winning the toss.