JUST as India walked off the field at 12.30PM local time on Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, they seemed resigned. Sam Konstas had set the tone upfront; Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had followed through as Australia went to lunch with a score of 112/1 in 25 overs.
It was a session that had many firsts. From Australia fielding their youngest-ever Test opener to Jasprit Bumrah getting hit for a six in the longest format after three years to Australia getting their best opening stand since 2023 Boxing Day Test and so on. But most of all, it was about Konstas disrupting India's plans and setting the tone for the rest of the innings in front of 87,242 fans on debut.
In a session where India bowled 26 overs, Bumrah bowled almost one-third of it - eight overs, three maidens for 41 runs - split into two spells. And this came despite India fielding six bowlers, opting Washington Sundar over Shubman Gill. While one could argue that they wanted Bumrah to bowl most while the ball had some movement, the fact that Konstas threw him off the length and India fielded two spinners on a pitch that was flatter than expected despite them having a piece of the teen sensation in Canberra felt a bit confusing.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BFI Adopts New Weight Classes
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is conducting the men's national championships here in 10 weight categories, in line with the classification introduced by the breakaway World Boxing.
SA20: Skipper Markram aims a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape
FRESH from playing a key role in helping South Africa qualify for the third edition of the World Test Championship, Aiden Markram has set his sights on a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.
AFI's Big Push: Decentralisation of Camps
New-look athletics body's one-of-a-kind policy set to encourage inclusivity & have wider pool of players to pick from
Janssen-sational: TN Dragons pip Team Gonasika
JIP JANSSEN slammed a hat-trick to steer Tamil Nadu Dragons to a tight 6-5 win over Team Gonasika in a high-scoring Hockey India League (HIL) clash here on Wednesday.
Malaysia Open: Prannoy, Sat-Chi Enter Round of 16
HS Prannoy's match, his first since the Paris Olympics, was halted by rain on Tuesday.
Selective application undermines credibility of sports governance
PT Usha and sports ministry are at loggerheads over the Indian Golf Union recognition.
Newcastle FC put one foot in League Cup final
NEWCASTLE took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semifinal, first leg lead at Arsenal on Tuesday.
FinMin shifts newly-appointed revenue secretary ahead of budget
In a surprise move ahead of the Union Budget, the government has shifted recently-appointed revenue secretary Arunish Chawla to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and has appointed the DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the revenue secretary.
SC Agrees to Hear Online Gaming Cos' Plea
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear petitions by online gaming companies seeking a stay on GST demands and related proceedings.
Sebi Warns Ola Electric Over Lapses in Disclosure Norms
MARKETS regulator Sebi on Wednesday issued an administrative warning to electric two-wheeler maker Ola Electric Mobility for violating disclosure norms.
