Explore how Steven Smith’s exceptional performance secured Australia’s advantage on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test. Get the latest updates and insights.
Introduction:
The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a thrilling spectacle as a 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas stunned one and all with a fearlessness against India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. At the end of Day 1, it was Australia who had that slight edge due to a solid contribution from their top order and Steven Smith’s composed innings. However, it was Konstas’ audacious start that set the tone for a compelling day of cricket.
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Sam Konstas: A Star Is Born
Konstas is the fourth-youngest male player ever to play Tests for Australia. And he made a sensational debut, facing the world’s number one fast bowler, Bumrah in his maiden over, was struggling with plays and misses till he turned the tables. He scored 32 runs off two overs from Bumrah in a display of fearless stroke play.

His 60 off 65 balls had scoops, reverse scoops, and lofted drives leaving the packed MCG crowd in awe. He celebrated his fifty by pointing at the name on his jersey. It was Ravindra Jadeja who ended his innings by trapping him lbw. Konstas had written his name in the history books long before that.
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Jasprit Bumrah: The Game Changer
Even as he was on the receiving end of Konstas’ onslaught, Bumrah provided crucial breakthroughs for India. He sent back Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh. The middle-order collapse thus sparked a revival in India’s fortunes. His dismissal of Head, who misjudged a delivery that clipped the off stump, told much about his ability to produce match-turning moments.

Akash Deep also chipped in with a much-needed wicket, getting rid of Alex Carey off the second new ball. But India still look too reliant on Bumrah as the rest of the bowling attack failed to make a mark. See also: Steven Smith Reaches 10000 Test Runs
Australia’s Top Order Stands Tall
All four of Australia’s top batsmen—Konstas, Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith—reached fifty, for the first time since 2022 that all four batsmen have reached fifty.

Usman Khawaja: The Steady Hand
Khawaja played a measured innings, adding 65 runs in partnerships with both Konstas and Labuschagne. However, his innings ended with a misjudged pull shot against Bumrah, highlighting missed opportunities for a bigger score.

Marnus Labuschagne: Signs of Return to Form
Labuschagne has failed for fluency this series and did manage moments of the very best, such as delicate glides and handsome drives, though, ambitions of century were to be shortlived after being lured into mistimed drive at mid-off by Washington Sundar.

Steven Smith: Rock in Middle Order
Smith held the innings together with an unbeaten 95, ensuring Australia did not lose momentum after the middle-order wobble. His composed presence at the crease, combined with some key boundaries, was imperative in Australia’s efforts to build a competitive total.

The Kohli-Konstas Clash
It wasn’t all drama. As Konstas launched a blistering assault, Virat Kohli shoulder-charged the young man over some overs. A fiery confrontation in which Usman Khawaja became the peacemaker gave the game even more edges. Match referees will surely watch the incident on the reviewing table, but it had underlined that the games are at very high stakes.

A Tribute Fit for Shane Warne
At 3:50 PM, the MCG crowd stood in tribute to the late Shane Warne, commemorating his Test cap number, 350. The atmosphere was electric, with applause echoing through the stadium—a poignant reminder of Warne’s enduring legacy in Australian cricket.
India’s Challenges
India managed to provoke a middle-order collapse but seemed overly dependent on Bumrah. Akash Deep could not pick up many wickets in the day, whereas Sundar’s dismissal of Labuschagne was almost an isolated success for the spinners.

India’s challenge lies in breaking Smith’s resistance and ensuring Australia’s tail doesn’t wag too long. With the pitch showing signs of offering assistance to bowlers, Day 2 will be crucial in determining the match’s trajectory.
What Lies Ahead
With Australia a bit ahead at stumps, the Boxing Day Test is delicately poised. Early wickets for India on Day 2 would help prevent Australia from piling up a huge first innings total. For Australia, continuation by Smith and lower-order contributions might be the harbinger of a strong position.
Whatever happens next, Konstas’ fearless debut and Bumrah’s brilliance have already made this Boxing Day one to remember.