Snapshot of day one of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad

By: Oliver Caffrey Time published 2023-03-09 at 11:14 PM (GMT +11:00)

A snapshot of day one of the fourth Test between Australia and India in Ahmedabad.

USMAN KHAWAJA of the Bulls leaves the field on Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Victoria at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia.
USMAN KHAWAJA of the Bulls leaves the field on Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Victoria at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

INDIA V AUSTRALIA, FOURTH TEST, DAY ONE

SCORE: Australia 4-255

SUMMARY: Australia enjoyed their best batting day of the series after captain Steve Smith won the toss. The tourists lost two wickets quickly, twice, but had fine contributions throughout the day to be on course for comfortably their best total of the series. Helping Australia's cause was the pitch behaving far better than it did during the first three Tests.

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Usman Khawaja brought up one his finest centuries, batting all day in hot conditions to finish unbeaten on 104. It was a gritty innings from the left-hander, putting his "ego away" to tame India's fierce bowling attack.

KEY MOMENT: The match looked like it was going to be delayed as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political meeting with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese overshadowed the match. The toss was four minutes late, but the first ball was still bowled on time.

STAT OF THE DAY: Khawaja and Steve Smith batting from lunch to tea was the first time in the series there had been a wicketless session from either team.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It's a highlight of my life being here today, and India and Australia have a great friendship." - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on being part of the pre-match political extravaganza in Ahmedabad.