As it happened: India fight back after wonder boy thrills monster MCG crowd of 87,242

It’s difficult to remember a better opening day to a Boxing Day Test. Sure, the middle session was slow-going for a bit, but that’s Test cricket. Everything that happened either side of it was captivating. Debutant opener Sam Konstas simply made people sit up and take notice by taking the game to India, and Jasprit Bumrah in particular, like few could have expected.

Day one sets the tone for the rest of the match. Anything is possible from here. Please enjoy our coverage, including rolling updates in our live blog, and excellent reporting from Daniel Brettig, Tom Decent, Greg Baum and Andrew Wu.

Good night.

Australian cricket’s newest star Sam Konstas has gone about changing the course of the Border-Gavaskar series with an instantly iconic Boxing Day debut at the MCG.

The teenager’s cavalier 60 from 65 balls, that will go down in Australian cricket folklore, propelled the hosts to 6-311 at stumps on day one as India baked in high-30s temperatures.

Sam Konstas raises his bat after an extraordinary 50 on debut at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test.Credit: Christopher Hopkins

Australia’s position is not as dominant as it could be, with several cheap dismissals inviting superstar quick Jasprit Bumrah (3-75) into the contest.

Within reach of centuries in back-to-back Tests, star veteran Steve Smith (68 not out) will resume batting on Friday alongside captain Pat Cummins (8no)

But it was Konstas who stole the show in front of a bumper crowd of 87,242, boldly taking it to the megastars of Indian cricket.

The 19-year-old showed nerves of steel to take down Bumrah – the world’s No.1-ranked bowler – who had destroyed Australia with 21 wickets across the first three Tests.

AAP

The family of Sam Konstas has reflected briefly on his journey to Test cricket.

“We were little kids and the first time dad took us to a bowling machine, he had it on 90 miles an hour thinking it was 90 kilometres,” older brother Billy recalled to Fox Cricket.

Sam Konstas with his family after receiving his baggy green before play on day one.Credit: Getty Images

“Dad fed the machine ... and he hit it straight out of the middle.

“I think from the age of five or six years old, this has always been his dream. It’s a dream come true for all the family and feel very blessed and thank God for being here.

“I’m a physiotherapist by trade and he said ‘Billy, can I get a massage?’ and I asked him how many runs are you gonna score tomorrow?” he said.

“He told me, ‘Don’t worry, I will score a few’ … I looked after the young man and he seemed very relaxed.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience. Everyone was nervous walking into the ground, heart was pounding a bit.”

Australia would have taken 6-311 at the start of the day. Lot of good contributions. None as impressive as Konstas. India need to rip through Australia tomorrow to stay in the match. Pitch played pretty well. A fabulous day of Test cricket.

What a day of cricket ...

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins survive nicely until the final delivery. There were plenty of ebbs and flows across a pulsating day, but it’s advantage Australia at the finish. Not by a heap, however.

Australia 6-3-111 (86 overs)

If you’re Pat Cummins, though you have come to the crease in your natural position of No.8, should your role in the remaining minutes be similar to that of a nightwatchman to protect Steve Smith? If you’re the Australian brains trust, you’d rather lose Cummins to a peach of a delivery than Smith.

87,242 fans in the house.

Gee, that’s big. We knew it was a sold-out day, but that’s simply stunning.

A full house at the MCG for day one.Credit: Getty Images

India have utilised six bowlers today, with Nitish Kumar Reddy (five overs) the least used. Jasprit Bumrah (3-72, 20 overs) has been a workhorse and has fought back brilliantly. Washington Sundar has come into the XI and complemented Ravindra Jadega well with his 12 overs.