India captain Rohit Sharma found himself in a heated exchange with Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the series tied 1-1, tensions were high as Australia captain Pat Cummins opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Australia’s openers provided a rare solid start, with Usman Khawaja scoring 57 and debutant Sam Konstas impressing with a brisk 60 off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes. The duo added 89 runs for the first wicket, setting a strong foundation. Following their departure, Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steve Smith (68*) compounded India’s woes on a lifeless pitch that offered little assistance to bowlers.
Travis Head, India’s nemesis throughout the series, fell for a rare duck, while Mitchell Marsh managed only 4 runs. Alex Carey chipped in with a useful 31. By stumps, Australia had reached 311/6, with Smith unbeaten on 68 and Cummins not out on 8.
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The day wasn’t short on drama, especially after a controversial incident involving Mohammed Siraj, Virat Kohli, and Sam Konstas. Later, Rohit Sharma confronted Labuschagne over what he perceived as intentional running on the pitch’s danger area, a critical zone for spinners in the later stages of the game. Rookie Sam Konstas was also accused of similar behaviour, drawing ire from the Indian captain.
🗣 #RohitSharma gets disappointed, warns #Labuschagne for running on the pitch during the #BoxingDayTest 🧐#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 1 LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/iNGMjtGXXQ
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2024
Commentator and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan explained the situation, stating, “Rohit Sharma is pointing out that they’re running on the pitch’s danger area.” Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar supported Rohit’s claims, adding, “Sam Konstas also ran straight through the danger area, and no one said anything to him.”
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Sunil Gavaskar criticized the umpires for their inaction, noting, “The umpires just stood there, watching the conversation unfold between Rohit Sharma and Labuschagne.”
Even Virat Kohli expressed visible displeasure over Labuschagne’s actions, highlighting the growing frustration within the Indian camp as Australia tightened their grip on the game.
