Australia's top order dominates day one of fourth India Test

Australia's top four batsmen delivered a commanding performance on 26 December, taking firm control on the opening day of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Teenage debutant Sam Konstas stole the limelight with a dazzling knock, while the hosts ended the day on 311-6 in front of over 87,000 spectators.

After winning the toss, Pat Cummins opted to bat on a steamy Melbourne day, a decision that paid off as the Australians took full advantage of some inconsistent early bowling from India.

Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 68, with Cummins on eight at the close. Contributions from Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Usman Khawaja (57) helped build the foundation, but it was 19-year-old Konstas who provided the spark.

Replacing Nathan McSweeney in the side, Konstas paired with Khawaja for an 89-run opening stand, the best partnership of the series so far.

The teenager showcased fearless intent, smashing a quick-fire 60 off 65 balls. His innings included a remarkable reverse ramp off Jasprit Bumrah that yielded two fours and a six in a single over, energising the MCG crowd.

Despite being undone by Ravindra Jadeja's spin, Konstas made his mark with the third-fastest Test half-century on debut for Australia. However, his day was not without drama; a shoulder bump and heated words with Virat Kohli could lead to disciplinary action from the match referee.

At the other end, the veteran Khawaja played a measured innings, reaching his 27th Test fifty in a much-needed return to form. His 121-ball stay ended when he mistimed a pull shot off Bumrah, handing a simple catch to KL Rahul at midwicket.

India's bowlers were punished for most of the day but fought back in the final session to keep their side in contention. Bumrah led the charge with figures of 3-75, while Washington Sundar and Akash Deep chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Labuschagne and Smith steadied the innings after Khawaja's dismissal, but Sundar eventually tempted Labuschagne into a drive that was caught by Kohli. Travis Head, who scored centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane, lasted only seven balls before leaving a Bumrah delivery that shattered his off stump.

Bumrah further dented the Australian middle order by dismissing Mitchell Marsh for four, while Deep claimed the wicket of Alex Carey, who made a quick 31. Smith, however, remained steadfast, reaching his 42nd Test half-century as he eyes his second century of the series.

The five-match series stands at 1-1, with India winning by 295 runs in Perth before being comprehensively beaten by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw, leaving this clash in Melbourne pivotal.