Australia ended day 1 on 311/6 with half-centuries from Konstas, Labuschagne and Smith.
India captain Rohit Sharma got into a heated conversation with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne on day one of the fourth BGT 2024 Test in Melbourne’s MCG. The series stands 1-1 and Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first.
Australia's openers added substantial runs for the first innings for the first time in the series. Usman Khawaja made 57 runs, while debutant Sam Konstas made 60 with 6 fours and 2 sixes, adding 89 for the first wicket.
Then Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steve Smith (68*) extended the misery on Indian bowlers on a deadish pitch. Travis Head, tormentor in chief for India, got out for a duck, while Mitchell Marsh made 4 runs. Alex Carey made 31 runs as well.
Australia ended day one on 311/6 with Smith on 68* and Cummins on 8*.
The day was not short of drama, as after the Konstas-Siraj-Kohli incident, Rohit Sharma and Marnus Labuschagne got into a fight.
The incident happened when Rohit complained about Labuschagne and rookie Sam Konstas' constant jogging on the pitch's danger area, which is crucial for later-stage spinners. Both fans and critics were captivated by Rohit's heated conversation with Labuschagne.
Former India all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan explained the situation, saying, “Rohit Sharma yeh bata rahe hain ki jab aap bhaag rahe hain toh aap pitch mein bhaag rahe hain.”
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar echoed Pathan’s observations, adding, “Sam Konstas bhi. Sam Konstas ko aapne dekha, toh woh seedha hi pitch pe bhaagta tha. Aur usko kuch kisi ne bola nahi.”
Gavaskar further remarked on the umpires’ inaction, stating, “Aur umpire bas wahaan dekh rahe hain. Jo baatchit chal rahi hai Rohit Sharma aur Labuschagne ke beech, toh dekho umpire bas dekh rahe hain.”
Even Virat Kohli was not happy with Marnus running down the pitch.
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