Australia In Control At 176-2 In Boxing Day Test

India paceman Jasprit Bumrah struck to remove Usman Khawaja but Australia were well positioned on 176 for two at tea on Thursday following teen talent Sam Konstass thrilling debut knock on a sweltering opening day of the fourth test.

Khawaja ended a lean run with the bat with his first half-century in 12 innings, scoring 57 before pulling Bumrah straight to KL Rahul at midwicket as the temperature rose above 36 degrees Celsius 97F at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Marnus Labuschagne was felled by a Mohammed Siraj delivery that cannoned into his groin but survived to be 44 not out at the break, with Steve Smith on 10.

Led by 19-year-old debutant opener Konstas, who struck 60 off 65 balls, Australias top order rewarded their captain Pat Cummins after he won the toss and elected to bat.

Konstas had a bumper crowd in the palm of his hand in the morning as he smashed Bumrah around the park and got under the visitors skin.