LIVE Boxing Day Test: Late and great Shane Warne remembered; Half century for Labuschagne

Australia v India LIVE updates: Day one MCG Boxing Day results, scores, time, program, entertainment, tips, odds, how to watch

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Key posts

4.29pm

OUT! Labaschagne goes

Ohhhh, that’s frustrating for the Aussie No.3.

He has lofted a ball through off side and is caught by Kohli. It had to be Kohli off course. The catch was snapped up at mid off and it simply couldn’t have come quick enough for India.

4.22pm

Analysis: India’s attack lacks penetration

At the risk of sparking a flurry of wickets, this MCG pitch appears to be playing a lot more favourably to the other tracks rolled out for this series and the Test strips used at this venue since it was reinvigorated for the 2018-19 season. Jasprit Bumrah looked an early threat but since he was taken down by Sam Konstas, India’s attack has lacked penetration. The question is whether it’s India’s bowlers who have not played well, a revival by Australia’s top order, an unresponsive surface or a combination of all three. I reckon it’s more on India’s bowlers. It may not be a green track, but there’s still enough grass coverage for movement off the surface, if the bowlers are good enough to hit the seam.

4.13pm

India appear frustrated

It’s like Australia are focusing on simply wearing down the tourists. Smith and Labaschagne have put on a 69-run partnership in some oh-so-desperately-needed runs. As mentioned at tea, if Australia lose only a few wickets for the day, they will easily win it. At this rate, they’re on track for a morale-boosting start to the Test.

Australia 2-223. Smith 33*, Labuschagne 67* (62 overs)

4.08pm

The weather outlook

3.59pm

Remembering the late Shane Warne

At precisely 3.50pm the bumper crowd at the MCG dipped their lids to remember the late and great Australian cricketer Shane Warne, who died too young in March 2022.

The tribute happened at that time to acknowledge Warne’s status as the 350th Test cricketer for Australia.

Fittingly, the terraces in the stand renamed in his honour, the Shane Warne Stand, were full of spectators who immediately paid tribute to the iconic figure who’d produced countless memorable moments at this venue.

Beautiful stuff.

3.55pm

Back-to-back boundaries

Now some aggression from Smith. Back-to-back boundaries. It’s like there’s been a subtle change of approach. These two, Smith and Labuschagne, are starting to look more comfortable.

Australia 2-208. Smith 27*, Labuschagne 58* (58 overs)

3.48pm

A review … but Smith survives

India are desperate to remove Smith. They, almost in desperation, chose to review an lbw decision. The umpire gave it not out, as Akash caught the former skipper in front. Smith looked confident, knowing he wouldn’t be out. And the review showed as much, with ball going down leg-side. That’s a review wasted for India.

Australia 2-197. Smith 18*, Labuschagne 57* (56.2 overs)

3.42pm

A half-century for Marnus!

Marnus Labaschagne has got there. He’s been battling, and this is so good to see. Like Khawaja, his innings has been a patient one.

Marnus Labuschagne celebrates his 50 at the ’G.Credit: AP

Australia’s first three batters have all reached at least 50. When did that last happen? Off the top of my head, I can’t remember. Don’t forget only 53 overs were bowled by tea, so day one at the MCG will go long. There’s plenty of cricket to come here.

3.40pm

Labuschagne positivity a good sign

In the opening over after tea, Labuschagne danced down the wicket a little to Jadeja and thumped a four. It was telling. Australia need to walk the fine line of increasing the run rate and playing smart cricket. This was a good bold move from Australia’s No.3.