AUSTRALIA AT 311/6 INDIA FIGHT BACK

India mounted a comeback on Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test, ending the day with Australia at 311/6.

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After fifties from Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, and Usman Khawaja, the visitors clawed their way back into the game.

Australia resumed their innings at 176/2 after tea, following solid starts from openers Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith then formed a crucial partnership of 83 runs. Labuschagne was dismissed for 59, caught by Virat Kohli off Washington Sundar's bowling, leaving Australia at 237/3.

Australia's innings faltered as they lost two quick wickets to Jasprit Bumrah. Travis Head was bowled for a seven-ball duck, and Mitchell Marsh was caught behind for 4, reducing Australia to 246/5.

Despite the setbacks, the experienced Steve Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey launched a counterattack. Smith remained unbeaten on 68, with five boundaries and a six, while Carey contributed a brisk 31 off 41 balls before being dismissed by Akash Deep with the second new ball.