IND vs AUS, 4th Test: Usman Khawaja Stars With Century, Australia 255/4 At Stumps On Day 1

Ahmedabad: Australia were 255 for four at stumps against India on the opening day of the series-deciding fourth Test here on Thursday.

Opener Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green were batting on 104 and 49 respectively at the close of play.

After skipper Steve Smith opted to bat, Australia were off to a good start with the duo of Khawaja and Travis Head adding 61 runs for the first wicket.

But after the departure of Head and the early wicket of Marnus Labuschagne at just 3, skipper Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja put on a healthy 79 runs partnership to solidify the host’s position in the game. Smith became prey to Ravindra Jadeja, whose disastrous spin bowling ran riot throughout the series. Usman Khawaja has scored his 14th Test century.

R Ashwin gave India their first breakthrough when he dismissed a positive-looking Head for 32. In between Smith’s dismissal by Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami bowled Marnus Labuschagne (3) and Peter Handscomb (17) with two beautiful deliveries.

India is leading the series with a score line of 2-1, but this is a must-win game for the hosts to solidify their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Brief scores: Australia 1st innings: 255/4 in 90 overs (Usman Khawaja 104 not out, Cameron Green 49 not out, Steve Smith 38; Mohammed Shami 2/65).

Stumps on Day 1️⃣ of the Fourth #INDvAUS Test!

2️⃣ wickets in the final session as Australia finish the opening day with 255/4 on board.

We will be back tomorrow as another action-packed day awaits????

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/hdRZrif7HC

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023