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.
Denne historien er fra December 27, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 27, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Disney unveils new song from Snow White
DISNEY has unveiled a new song 'Waiting on a Wish' from the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White.
ONE FOR SERIAL PLANT KILLERS
THE ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a dream come true for those who struggle to keep plants alive. Hardy, low-maintenance, and nearly indestructible, it thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for beginners and busy plant owners.
Garden in bloom
Shasha's designs showcase exquisite techniques that celebrate the artistry of couture
Delhi's Winter Date With Bengal
As the winter chill sets in, the craze for date palm jaggery-based sweets is rising in and outside Delhi's mini Kolkata, and there's a new challenger in town. TMS samples through the sweet-mile to see how the old shops are holding up.
Shahrukh, Mohamed help TN down UP
SHAHRUKH Khan's 85-ball 132 not out and Mohamed Ali's 76 not out (75 balls, eight fours, one six) powered Tamil Nadu to a massive 114-run win over Uttar Pradesh at Visakhapatnam in a Group D match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Wrestling continues to grapple for survival
The sorry state of affairs in wrestling continues even though Aman Sehrawat, with his Olympic bronze, salvaged some pride earlier this year. As 2024 nears end, Firoz Mirza sheds some light on issues ailing the sport and way forward to reclaim the good old days...
City pay penalty, Chelsea stunned
ERLING HAALAND had a second-half penalty saved as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, while title contenders Chelsea suffered a first home defeat against Fulham since 1979.
Teen Konstas takes bowlers to cleaners on his Test debut
JASPRIT Bumrah had just welcomed Sam Konstas to Test cricket.
Top Gun 4: Oz batters foil India's plans
In front of record number of fans at MCG on Day 1, Australia top-four help team post 311/6
Indian Companies May Raise ₹2 Lakh Cr From Market Via Public Issues In 2025
DESPITE a sharp correction in the equity market in recent months, the initial public offering (IPO) market has remained robust.
