Australia’s batting lineup delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the fourth Test against India, setting the tone for what promises to be a riveting encounter. Under challenging conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the visitors demonstrated both patience and aggression, capitalizing on opportunities to establish a firm grip on proceedings.
Opening batsman Usman Khawaja led the charge with a masterclass in technique and temperament, anchoring the innings with a century that underscored his reliability at the top of the order. Khawaja’s innings, characterized by fluent strokes and calculated risk-taking, frustrated India’s bowlers and provided the stability Australia needed to build a competitive total.
Supporting Khawaja was Travis Head, who played a brisk knock that showcased his aggressive intent. While Head fell short of a big score, his contribution ensured momentum in the early overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, stalwarts of the Australian batting lineup, continued to pile on the pressure with valuable contributions in the middle order.
India’s bowlers, who have been pivotal in the series so far, found themselves facing an uphill battle on a pitch that offered little assistance. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja toiled tirelessly, extracting whatever spin and bounce they could from the surface, but breakthroughs proved hard to come by. The fast-bowling duo of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav were economical at times but lacked the penetration needed to disrupt the Australian innings.
The Australian approach was a testament to their adaptability and determination. By the close of play, they had amassed a substantial total, leaving the Indian team with much to ponder overnight. Their focus will now shift to finding ways to break through Australia’s batting lineup early on Day Two to prevent the game from slipping out of their grasp.
For the Indian side, the challenge will be to bounce back swiftly and assert themselves in the upcoming sessions. The spinners, in particular, will be expected to step up, as the Ahmedabad pitch is likely to deteriorate and offer more turn as the match progresses.
As the fourth Test unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Indian team responds to Australia’s imposing start. The visitors, meanwhile, will look to continue building on their solid foundation, aiming to secure a series-clinching victory. With high stakes and intense competition, the remainder of the Test promises to deliver captivating cricket.
