New Delhi: A record-setting 87,242 fans flocked to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia. The record-breaking crowd filled the stands at the iconic MCG to create a remarkable atmosphere on Day 1 of the fourth Test. The eye-watering attendance set a new mark for the highest single-day attendance in a Test match between the two arch-rivals.
The tickets for the opening day of the Boxing Day Test were sold out over two weeks ahead of the much-awaited clash. The spectators witnessed a thrilling battle between the bat and ball as Australia dominated the contest for most of the day before India rallied back thanks to a brilliant spell by Jasprit Bumrah.
Konstas entertains MCG
Debutant Konstas led the charge for the home side, which had four half-centurions on a run-filled day. Kontas took on Bumrah in the first session and played some delightful strokes to entertain the jam-packed MCG. Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steve Smith (68 not out) all registered half-centuries as Australia ended the Day 1 at a solid 311 for six.
Had it not been for Bumrah’s superb spell in the final session, India would have been in a precarious position.
The superstar pacer, who was taken to the cleaners in the morning session, bounced back brilliantly and swung the momentum in the visitors’ favour in the final session.
Bumrah leads India’s fightback
After getting rid of Khawaja in the second session, Bumrah dismissed India’s nemesis Travis Head (0) and Mitchell Marsh (4) in quick succession to bring back India in the contest. Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first on a good batting track as India dropped Shubman Gill in favour of Sundar. Meanwhile, the hosts replaced Nathan McSweeny and Josh Hazlewood with Sam Konstas and Scott Boland.
The five-match series is evenly poised at 1-1.
BGT: The record-breaking crowd at MCG witnessed a thrilling battle between the bat and ball as Australia dominated the contest for most of the day before India rallied back thanks to a brilliant spell by Jasprit Bumrah. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
