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Australia took control on the opening day of the fourth Test against India on Thursday thanks to half-centuries from fearless teenage opener Sam Konstas and tenacious veteran Usman Khawaja.

Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss on a hot day, they were a menacing 176-2 at half-time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Marnus Labuschagne was on 44 not out and Steve Smith on 10, with Khawaja (57) the only wicket to fall in the second session where 64 runs were added.

The carefree Konstas was out before lunch and delivered a whirlwind 60 off 65 balls in a memorable debut, hitting 18 off a Jasprit Bumrah and falling foul of superstar Virat Kohli.

The five-match series is tied 1-1 after India won by 295 runs in Perth before being beaten by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane has been drawn.

Nathan McSweeney was forced out after failing to fire a shot in the first three Tests, but Konstas and Khawaja shared an 89-run opening partnership – the hosts’ best in the series – before the 19-year-old was undone by Ravindra’s spin became Jadeja.

Australia’s youngest opener, called up in place of McSweeney, chose to face a menacing Bumrah’s first over and survived despite the Indian top player repeatedly hitting his bat.

But Konstas kept his focus and scored his first Test runs in Bumrah’s next over with a gentle strike through backward square leg.

He said before the match that he had a plan to tackle Bumrah and when he set his eyes on it, he smashed him incredibly with two fours and a six in one over, bringing the crowd to life.

A frustrated Kohli once pushed him hard and they exchanged words, which could land both players in trouble if the umpire pursues the matter further.

But the teenager was unfazed by the run-in and smashed an 18, including another six, in Bumrah’s next over.

He completed his half-century off just 52 balls, including two from Mohammed Siraj – the third fastest on debut for Australia.

At the other end, Khawaja, twice the age of his opening partner, contented himself with being the support act and fought his way to a 27th Test 50, giving him a welcome return to form.

Bumrah eventually removed him after a 121-ball stay, with Khawaja’s pull shot reaching only as far as KL Rahul at mid-wicket and Labuschagne and Smith having to see them at tea.

Australia made two changes for the game: seamer Scott Boland also replaced the injured Josh Hazlewood, while India dropped number three batsman Shubman Gill in favor of Washington Sundar as their second spin option.

mp/pbt