Konstas' Fearless Debut Ignites Australia’s Strong Start Against India
Australia's debutant Sam Konstas stole the show on Boxing Day, lighting up the MCG with a fearless and flamboyant innings. In a bold response to India’s top-ranked fast bowlers, the 19-year-old took on the challenge with style, reverse-scooping and charging at Jasprit Bumrah and company. Konstas blazed to a 60 off just 65 balls, including six boundaries, before Ravindra Jadeja finally dismissed him. His fiery knock set the stage for a dominant start, with Australia reaching 112/1 at the end of the opening session.
Pre-match, Konstas had hinted at a strategy to take on Bumrah, and while the Indian pacer beat his bat multiple times early on, the young Aussie turned the tide in the seventh over. Three reverse scoops off Bumrah connected perfectly – two for boundaries and one sailing over the rope for a six, marking the first time Bumrah had conceded a six in Test cricket since the 2021 Sydney Test. The bold strokeplay forced India to rethink their approach, with Bumrah shifting to white-ball lengths to counter Konstas’ audacious shots.
Unfazed, Konstas then shifted gears, backing away and hammering short balls through the off-side, accumulating 34 runs off Bumrah’s six-over opening spell. This not only put pressure on India’s star pacer but also allowed Usman Khawaja to settle into his innings, with Bumrah’s spell costing 38 runs in total. By the time Konstas reached his half-century off just 52 balls, he had already made a huge impact, taking 8 boundaries in his brief stay. His quickfire knock included a four and a six off consecutive deliveries against Siraj.
Ultimately, Konstas' 60 was ended by an LBW from Jadeja, but the damage was done. His stunning debut innings left Australia well-placed, with Khawaja moving to 38* and Marnus Labuschagne quickly finding his rhythm. India, having brought in Washington Sundar in place of Shubman Gill, now faced a challenging task to contain the Aussies on a surface already showing signs of wear.
