'Top day 1 for us' - Virat Kohli lauds his men after their prime show on day one of Melbourne Test

Team India is up against Australia in the highly-anticipated Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26, 2020 to December 30. The visiting nation is missing the services of their captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli as after participating in the first Test in Adelaide, Kohli headed back to India on paternity leave to be with his wife Anushka Sharma during the birth of their first child.

In the absence of Kohli, India’s vice-captain in the purest format of the game, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the team while Cheteshwar Pujara has been named as the vice-captain. Though Kohli is not physically present with the Indian contingent in Melbourne, he is supporting and cheering for his men from India.

The Day 1 of the Melbourne Test ended with India taking a slight edge over the hosts due to the exploits by the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin. India’s bowling unit went all guns blazing against the feeble batting line-up of the opposition as Australia was bundled up for a paltry total of 195 while batting first.

Appreciating the efforts of the Indian players, the skipper Virat Kohli took to his official Twitter handle to congratulate the team. Kohli tweeted, “Top day 1 for us. Great display from the bowlers and a solid finish too.”

Top day 1 for us. Great display from the bowlers and a solid finish too. 🇮🇳👏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 26, 2020

Australia vs India- Summary of Day 1, Melbourne Test

The game at MCG commenced with Australia skipper Tim Paine winning the toss and electing to bat first. Jasprit Bumrah gave the first breakthrough to his team by picking the wicket of opening batsman Joe Burns, who was yet to open his account. This was followed by Ashwin sending Matthew Wade and Steve Smith back to the pavilion while Bumrah again returned in the attack to clean up Travis Head.

The debutant Mohammed Siraj also had a decent outing as he named two priced wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green. With 48 runs, Labuschagne was the highest run-getter for the hosts while Ashwin and Bumrah picked 3 and 4 scalps, respectively.

Chasing the target of 195 posted by Australia in the first innings, India had a torrid start. The opening woes continued for the visitors as Mayank Agarwal bagged a six-ball duck. However, the debutant Shubman Gill showed his class and promise as he remained not out at 28 at the end of Day 1 alongside Cheteshwar Pujara.