NEW DELHI: The opening day of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was brimming with intensity and drama as Australia and India locked horns in a series-defining encounter.
With the series level at 1-1, the outcome of this Test is pivotal for both teams in their quest for a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Australia, opting to bat first on a scorching day, got off to a flying start thanks to 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. The young opener dazzled the crowd with a brisk 60 off 65 deliveries, setting the tone for the hosts in the first session.
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By tea, Australia had steadied their innings at 176/2, with experienced hands Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith anchoring the effort after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Usman Khawaja.
The match wasn’t without its share of on-field drama. Early in the day, a shoulder bump between Virat Kohli and Konstas highlighted the competitive spirit on display. However, it was a moment involving India skipper Rohit Sharma and young fielder Yashasvi Jaiswal that caught fans’ attention after that, amplified by the stump microphone.
Jaiswal, fielding at silly point, jumped prematurely as Steve Smith played a defensive shot off Ravindra Jadeja, prompting a visibly annoyed Rohit to call him out. "Arre Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya?" Sharma exclaimed. He further instructed, "Niche baith ke rah, jab tak ball khelega nahi, uthne ka nahi."
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The incident reflected the high-stakes nature of the match, with every player striving to contribute under immense pressure.
As the Test unfolds, the intensity is only expected to rise, with both teams eyeing supremacy in this thrilling series.
