Virat Kohli was called out by some of the game's greats on Thursday after appearing to deliberately bump shoulders with young Australian batsman Sam Konstas in the fourth Test. The Indian veteran made forceful contact with the 19-year-old debutant after Konstas belted the bowlers around the Melbourne Cricket Ground on his way to a blistering 60 off 65 balls. It sparked a heated exchange between the pair in the first session, with Konstas' fellow opener Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough intervening. "Virat walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation," Ricky Ponting said on Australia's Channel Seven. "No doubt in my mind whatsoever. "I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that." Former India coach Ravi Shastri called Kohli's actions "absolutely unnecessary". "Virat's a senior player, he's been captain... he'll have his own explanations with regards to that, but it's one thing you don't want to see," he said on Fox Sports. "One person who will be watching, his eyes locked into the proceedings, is (match referee) Andy Pycroft." Konstas, called into the side after Nathan McSweeney was axed, played down the incident in a post-match news conference. "I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that's just cricket, the tension," said the teenager, Australia's youngest-ever opener. However, Indian fans quickly called out Ponting's hypocrisy, as an old video resurfaced online, showing the former Australian captain provoking a confrontation with Harbhajan Singh in a similar fashion. Look what ponting did to 17 year old Harbhajan singh and how shamelessly commentators are bashing Harbhajan not Ponting and our indians feel bad for konstants,half of them are Kohli haters pic.twitter.com/gwQ6wi3PTI — Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh_28) December 26, 2024 Don't Cry over this, Aussies have a long history of Abusive behavior. Just remember the debue of Harbhajan Singh Vs Ricky Ponting. 😠#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #BoxingDay pic.twitter.com/nryofgN1kb — ForeFront India (@Fore_FrontIndia) December 26, 2024 For Australians,- Slapping cricketers is fine when David Warner does it- Abusing Harbhajan is fine when Ponting and Shane Warne does it- Cheating is fine when Australia does it — 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) December 26, 2024 In a 1998 India-Australia ODI in Sharjah, Ponting attempted to sledge and mock 19-year-old Harbhajan after the spinner dismissed him. Later during the day, Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fee and given a demerit point, despite it being deemed an accidental shoulder bump by the 19-year-old debutant.
26 December,2024 05:55 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentIndia's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar on Thursday defended axing Shubman Gill from the Boxing Day Test, saying it was in the team's best interest to not only have Rohit Sharma back to his usual opening slot but also add some sting to the attack by drafting in spin all-rounder Washington Sundar. Gill, who missed the first Test due to a finger injury, scored 31 and 28 in the Pink Ball Test and looked the most assured among Indian batters. He, however, got out for a duck in Brisbane. With Rohit Sharma opening the innings and KL Rahul coming at No. 3, Gill had to make way for a third specialist all-rounder in Washington. "Yes, Rohit will come up in the order, and more likely than not, he will open the innings. That was the thought process. Unfortunately for Gill, just how things spanned out, he had to miss out," Nayar said at the end of the day's play. "I just feel for a young player in a position like that, a big day, he wants to make his mark. He understands it's the team's requirement and it's unfortunate, but I wouldn't say that he's been dropped per se. It's just unfortunate that he couldn't find his place in this game," the former Mumbai stalwart said but the explanation lacked conviction. He elaborately explained why playing Washington at the MCG made sense ahead of Gill. "A lot of the decisions when they are made, and the process of it being made, the communication is always there and transparency is there. It's pretty obvious that we felt in these conditions, looking at the pitch, having Washy in the bowling attack will give us that variation, especially towards the end once the ball gets old," he said. "Post the 50 overs, we felt that was an area that we wanted to get better at. We felt Washy could give us that solidarity with Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja), especially the way Travis Head and Alex Carey were getting runs lower down. So we felt having an offie in the ranks will provide us with that." (With agency inputs)
26 December,2024 03:37 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentIf going after the much-feared Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah came naturally to Sam Konstas, it had something to do with an innocuous mistake his father committed during the teenager's childhood training. Making a Test debut that will be talked about for a long time, Konstas lived up to the hype around his talent by smashing an impressive 60 off 65 balls when the Boxing Day Test got underway on Thursday. More than the runs he scored, it was Konstas' audacity to take on the world class Bumrah with the new ball that had the experts singing his eulogy. Konstas' brother Billy, who is a physiotherapist by profession, revealed how his father's error eventually helped his younger brother learn tackling pace bowling from an early age. "We were little kids and the first time dad took us to a bowling machine, he had it on 90 miles an hour, thinking it was 90 kilometres," Billy told Fox Cricket. "Dad fed the machine, and he hit it straight out of the middle. I think from the age of five or six years old, this has always been his dream. It's a dream come true for all the family and feel very blessed and thank God for being here." His ultra aggressive approach set the tone and pumped up Australia, who ended the day one of the Boxing Day Test at a comfortable 311 for six. Billy also revealed that Konstas, who played for St George and Sutherland and graduated to first-class cricket only last year, was confident of getting a good score on debut. "I'm a physiotherapist by trade and he said 'Billy, can I get a massage?' and I asked him how many runs are you gonna score tomorrow?". He told me 'don't worry, I will score a few'. I looked after the young man and he seemed very relaxed," said Billy. While Konstas seemed comfortable under his skin, his family was a bundle of nerves. "It's been an unbelievable experience. Everyone was nervous walking into the ground, heart was pounding a bit." (With agency inputs)
26 December,2024 03:05 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentVirat Kohli has been fined 20 percent of his match fee and awarded one demerit point for shoulder-bumping Sam Konstas at the MCG during the first day of the fourth Test match between India and Australia, according to Cricbuzz. The incident occurred after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings, as the players were crossing paths. Kohli and Konstas collided shoulders while moving across the pitch. Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024 Both players immediately turned to face each other and exchanged heated words, with Konstas' teammate Usman Khawaja intervening to separate them. The on-field umpires also addressed the situation with the two players. According to the ICC's Code of Conduct, "any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket." The regulation specifies that players will be in breach if they deliberately, recklessly, or negligently walk into, run into, or shoulder another player or umpire. A Level 1 offence typically results in a fine on the match fee. However, a Level 2 offence carries a penalty of three to four demerit points, and four demerit points would lead to a suspension from one Test match. More updates to follow...
26 December,2024 01:24 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentIndian superstar Virat Kohli on Thursday admitted he has not been disciplined enough in his last two-three innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and plans to take a lot more time before going for his strokes in the remaining two Tests. Majority of Kohli's dismissals have come via the ball outside the off-stump, reminiscent of his struggles in England back in 2014. His bat has gone quiet following a memorable hundred in Perth. "Last two three innings have not gone the way I wanted to. I have not been disciplined enough to stick in there and really grind it out. That is the challenge Test cricket brings," Kohli told 'Fox Sports 'before the start of the Boxing Day Test. Kohli went on to say that the pitches have been spicer compared to India's previous tours Down Under. "Obviously these pitches are much more lively than the last time we played here. There is a different approach that is required and that is something I have taken a lot of pride in, to go out there and counter different conditions and step up when the team wants me to. "The idea is to get stuck in, go in there get your eyes set in, play enough number of balls before you start playing your game but respect the conditions foremost," said Kohli. The 36-year-old has scores of 5, 100 not out, 7, 11 and 3 in the series. On day one of the Boxing Day Test, Kohli was involved in a physical exchange with Australian debutant Sam Konstas who smashed a sensational 60 off 65 in the opening session. Kohli was asked about India's performance in the first three Tests with the series locked at 1-1. "We have played some really good cricket here (at MCG). Last time around we won, the year before we won as well. It is just about understanding where the series is placed and that takes away the pressure on individuals. Now it is all to play for. "It is 1-1, we want to have a strong Test match here and try to go up in the series heading into Sydney," he added. (With agency inputs)
26 December,2024 01:09 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentJasprit Bumrah's knack of coming up with magic deliveries in crunch situations kept India alive after Australia's top-order, headlined by teen debutant Sam Konstas' stroke-filled half-century, guided the hosts to 311 for 6 on the opening day of the fourth Test here on Thursday. If Konstas' audacious 60 off 65 balls enthralled the near sell-out crowd of over 80,000 at the MCG during a humid morning session, Bumrah's (3/75 in 21 overs) deception of length to dismiss Travis Head (0) also had its takers as chants of 'Boom, Boom, Booooomraaaaaaah' reverberated through the stands. Coming into the Test with back-to-back hundreds, Head couldn't judge the length of a Bumrah delivery that was pitched slightly fuller than what the batter expected. He shouldered his arms trusting the bounce but the 66.2 overs old Kookaburra nipped back to clip the off-bail. In the next over, he removed an out-of-form Mitchell Marsh (4), having got Usman Khawaja (57 off 121 balls) with the half-tracker in the post-lunch session. The first two sessions, however, belonged to Australia with senior players Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne (72 off 145 balls) and Steve Smith (68 batting, 111 balls) scoring half-centuries. The final session was all about Bumrah magic. The Indian spearhead didn't let the hosts completely walk away with the game which they threatened to do at one stage. He now has 24 wickets in the series. With Mohammed Siraj (0/69 in 15 overs) off-colour, Bumrah didn't have much support save off-spinner Washington Sundar (1/37 in 12 overs), who bowled a containing line. Akash Deep (1/59 in 19 overs) though got Alex Carey with the second new ball at the fag end of the day. Even Ravindra Jadeja (1/54 in 14 overs) leaked runs despite getting Konstas out and Nitish Reddy, the batting all-rounder, was only used before the second new ball was taken. The morning was owned by the precocious 19-year-old from New South Wales. Konstas didn't show any nerves during his scintillating knock, which comprised of two sixes off Bumrah. He also didn't mind a good scrap with India's superstar Virat Kohli, whose shoulder brush with the 19-year-old led to a brief confrontation. In fact, Bumrah was hit for a six for the first time in a Test since Cameron Green hit him for one back in 2021. The gap between Konstas' first six, which was a lap scoop, and the one that Green hit three years ago was 4000 legal Test match deliveries. After a conventional lap scoop for maximum, Konstas also hit a reverse lap scoop towards third man for another boundary. The second six was pummelled over mid-on. The way he attacked the Indian bowling with gusto gave his veteran opening partner Khawaja a chance to get back to form with a patient half-century. But Khawaja would be really annoyed with himself as he couldn't time a pull shot off a Bumrah half-tracker, which went straight into KL Rahul's hands in the post-lunch session. The duo added 89 runs in such quick time that Labuschagne and last match's centurion Smith didn't need to show any urgency. For Konstas, it all began with a few play and misses off Bumrah's opening over but as soon as the teenager got his first couple of runs, things changed dramatically. The fearlessness of youth stood out on the big stage as Konstas pulled off the lap-scoop against Bumrah before smashing him over mid-on for another maximum. The fans and experts alike were forced to think the last time Bumrah (1/50 in 15 overs) was hit for two sixes in his first spell of a Test match. They couldn't because it never happened in a first spell. The stump mic caught Bumrah saying "Beginner's Luck" but Konstas seemed to have enough wares to answer his probing queries. And it was laced with a lot of spunk as he got into a verbal duel with Kohli after their shoulders brushed while crossing each other. He often shuffled towards leg-stump to make room and on one occasion, crunched Bumrah past cover. Mohammed Siraj was welcomed into the attack with a loud round of boos as he sledged the youngster due to his unconventional hitting style. In all, Konstas hit six fours apart from the two maximums. Only Akash bowled a good channel among the pacers as Siraj was guilty of going too full or too short. As Australia scored at more than a fair clip, skipper Rohit Sharma had to introduce Ravindra Jadeja (1/33 in 11 overs) in the 16th over to at least stem the flow of runs before it went out of hand. The decision did pay dividends as the seasoned spinner got an arm ball to skid through with the angle to trap Konstas in front. Khawaja and Labuschagne then added 65 for the second wicket with the Pakistan-born opener hitting Akash for a couple of boundaries to complete his first fifty of the series. (With agency inputs)
26 December,2024 01:04 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentStar Indian batter Virat Kohli and Australian youngster Sam Konstas were on Thursday involved in a physical altercation as tempers flared on the first day of the fourth Test here but the 19-year-old home debutant played down the incident. The brief showdown took place after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when the players were crossing over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch. Both players quickly turned around to glance at each other and engage in a heated exchange of words with Konstas' teammate Usman Khawaja stepping in to separate them. The on-field umpires also had a word with the two. "I think the emotions got to both of us," Konstas later told 'Channel 7'. "I didn't quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket," he added. Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time, went on to hit Jasprit Bumrah for two boundaries and a six in the next over. The teenager scored a stunning fifty on debut before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him leg before wicket. Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024 What does the ICC rulebook state? The incident falls under Law 2.12: Inappropriate physical contact with a player, player support personnel, umpire, match referee, or any other individual (including a spectator) during an international match. If the ICC's guidelines are adhered to, Virat Kohli is in some trouble.@SEN_Cricket @1116sen pic.twitter.com/Jz0OVuy7vv — Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 26, 2024 The regulation further states: 'Note: Any form of inappropriate physical contact is strictly prohibited in cricket. This includes, but is not limited to, instances where players deliberately, recklessly, or negligently walk into, run into, or shoulder another player or umpire. When evaluating the severity of the breach, the following factors shall be considered: (i) the context of the situation, including whether the contact was intentional, reckless, negligent, or avoidable; (ii) the force exerted during the contact; (iii) any resulting injury to the individual involved; and (iv) the identity of the individual involved in the contact. Level 1 (Level 1 applies only in cases of contact with players, player support staff...)' The final determination on this matter will be made by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. Should Pycroft deem the incident a Level 2 offence, Kohli could face 3-4 demerit points, which may result in a suspension for the subsequent match. If the breach is classified as a Level 1 offence, Kohli may only be subjected to a fine.
26 December,2024 12:22 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentStar Indian batter Virat Kohli and Australian youngster Sam Konstas were on Thursday involved in a physical altercation as tempers flared on the first day of the fourth Test here but the 19-year-old home debutant played down the incident. The brief showdown took place after the completion of the 10th over of the Australian innings when the players were crossing over. Kohli and Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch. Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024 Both players quickly turned around to glance at each other and engage in a heated exchange of words with Konstas' teammate Usman Khawaja stepping in to separate them. The on-field umpires also had a word with the two. "I think the emotions got to both of us," Konstas later told 'Channel 7'. "I didn't quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket," he added. Konstas, who was batting on 27 at the time, went on to hit Jasprit Bumrah for two boundaries and a six in the next over. The teenager scored a stunning fifty on debut before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him leg before wicket. Konstas might have dismissed it as routine but former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting blamed Kohli for instigating the exchange. He went to the extent of saying that Kohli could face disciplinary action for it. "Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever," Ponting said on Channel 7 while watching the replay of the incident. "I have no doubt that the umpires and the referee will have a good look at that. Fielders should be nowhere near the batsman at that stage. "It looked to me that Konstas looked up really late, wouldn't even know anyone is in front of him. That man on-screen there (Kohli) might have a few questions to answer," Ponting added. (With inputs from agencies)
26 December,2024 12:06 PM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentThe International Cricket Council (ICC) officials will review Virat Kohli's heated exchange with Aussie debutant Sam Konstas at the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, according to cricket.com.au. According to the report, Kohli's run-in with Konstas at the Melbourne Test caught ICC's notice. Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024 Both Kohli and Konstas walked into each other before exchanging words. Australia opener Usman Khawaja tried to calm the situation, putting his arm around the India talisman batter. Umpire Michael Gough also came into action and played the role of peacemaker. As per cricket.com.au, match referee Andy Pycroft is certain to look at the incident. ICC's Code of Conduct says that "any form of inappropriate physical contact is prohibited in cricket. Without limitation, players will breach this regulation if they deliberately, recklessly and/or negligently walk or run into or shoulder another player or umpire". Either Kohli or Konstas would receive three or four demerit points if match referee Pycroft adjudged the incident as a Level Two offence. Konstas played a 60-run knock from 65 balls in his debut match against India. He smashed 6 fours and 2 sixes during his time on the crease. The 19-year-old played fearless cricket on Thursday, however, his knock came to an end in the 20th over when India spinner Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him. Currently, with the ongoing BGT series level at 1-1, both sides will be playing the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test intending to secure an all-important series lead needed to push a case for the ICC World Test Championship final. Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland. India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
26 December,2024 11:55 AM IST | Melbourne | mid-day online correspondentIn an exciting start to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, debutant Sam Konstas displayed a fearless approach against India's ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, en route to his 52-ball half-century. The young Australian opener's audacious T20-style shots, including reverse scoops and drives, unsettled the Indian bowlers. However, it was Konstas's on-field altercation with Virat Kohli that caught everyone’s attention. An exchange between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. - THE BOXING DAY TEST IS HERE.pic.twitter.com/x8O4XCN1Sj — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 26, 2024 During the first session, Kohli and Konstas exchanged words after a shoulder bump in the middle of the pitch. As the two players clashed, Usman Khawaja intervened, and umpire Michael Gough stepped in to break up the confrontation. Despite the altercation, Konstas remained unfazed and continued to play with remarkable composure, eventually reaching his maiden half-century. The 19-year-old's maturity and fearless cricket earned him praise, with the MCG crowd roaring in support. Sam Konstas has mentioned Virat Kohli as his favourite cricketer.Yet, the Indian superstar was a bit uncharitable to the youngster on the field.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/rijfGdlFd4 — Vijay A (@VAAChandran) December 26, 2024 Kohli, meanwhile, has struggled for form, with just one century in his last 40 innings. His fiery exchange with Konstas only added to the tension. Few days back, Kohli had also been involved in a public dispute with the Australian media after accusing them of taking photographs of his children without permission. As for the incident at the MCG, replays revealed that Kohli had intentionally walked into Konstas’ path, which prompted the exchange of words. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting and ex-umpire Simon Taufel both questioned Kohli's actions, suggesting that the contact could fall under the ICC’s Code of Conduct as inappropriate physical contact. The ICC is expected to review the incident, with the possibility of demerit points for Kohli or Konstas if the match referee deems it a Level Two offence. If the ICC don’t give Virat a holiday with his family in Sydney then we might as well pack up our bat and ball and go home. Changed his line and showed the world the kid has rattled him & his team. Such a shame as the kid absolutely idolizes Kohli.“ Never meet your hero ” 😢 — Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) December 26, 2024 Konstas, who was making his Test debut, had already shown immense potential with some aggressive batting, taking on Bumrah with ease. He hit 6 fours and 2 sixes before being dismissed for 60 runs by Ravindra Jadeja, ending a memorable debut knock. Despite the early clash, the 19-year-old remained the focal point of the match, showing why he’s one of Australia's most exciting young talents. ICC review of Kohli-Kostas altercation The ICC has confirmed that it will review the heated exchange between Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas during the ongoing Boxing Day Test at the MCG. The incident took place in the first session when Kohli, tossing the ball in his hand, appeared to intentionally walk towards Konstas, resulting in a shoulder bump. The exchange quickly escalated, prompting Khawaja to step in and separate the players, with umpire Michael Gough also intervening. If the ICC's guidelines are adhered to, Virat Kohli is in some trouble.@SEN_Cricket @1116sen pic.twitter.com/Jz0OVuy7vv — Tom Morris (@tommorris32) December 26, 2024 Konstas, who had already impressed with his fearless batting, spoke about the incident, stating, “It happens in cricket.” However, former cricket figures, including Ricky Ponting and Simon Taufel, suggested that Kohli's actions could be considered inappropriate physical contact under the ICC's Code of Conduct. The match referee, Andy Pycroft, is expected to review the footage and may impose demerit points on either player if deemed necessary. Virat Kohli being a little crybaby once again! pic.twitter.com/tQNnvrXQR1 — The ACC (@TheACCnz) December 26, 2024 Konstas, who replaced Nathan McSweeney in this Test, continued to play his natural game, finishing with 60 runs from 65 balls. His knock included aggressive shots, such as a reverse scoop over the slips for six and another over the wicketkeeper’s head for four. Despite the on-field drama, Konstas’s debut was a memorable one, proving his fearless attitude at the highest level of cricket.
26 December,2024 10:31 AM IST | MelbourneIn a thrilling start to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), 19-year-old Sam Konstas announced himself in spectacular fashion, delivering an unforgettable debut performance against India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The young Australian opener’s fearless approach left fans and commentators in awe, marking Day 1 of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as one for the history books. After a nervy start, with Bumrah’s precision testing the Australian openers early on, Konstas took matters into his own hands during the pacer’s seventh over. With the score at 39 for 1, Konstas did the unthinkable — he took on one of the world’s most respected bowlers with audacious reverse ramps, a stroke rarely seen in Test cricket, let alone against a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre. The first ball was expertly flicked over the wicketkeeper’s head for four, leaving Bumrah visibly rattled. But Konstas wasn’t finished there. The next delivery was lofted for a magnificent six, sailing over the slip cordon, a moment that marked a major milestone in Bumrah’s career. Drop everything and get to 7plus to watch Sam Konstas' first Test innings!This is extraordinary!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/biblhTRBVw — 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024 Before that over ended, Konstas added another six, a move that made him the second batter in history, after England’s Jos Buttler, to hit Bumrah for two sixes in a single Test innings. This remarkable achievement shattered the myth of Bumrah's invincibility — the last time he conceded a six in Test cricket was 4,483 deliveries ago, during the 2021 Sydney Test. Konstas’s fearless strokeplay had already made a statement, amassing 16 runs from that one over alone. The young Australian’s performance didn’t just impress onlookers, it also caught the attention of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who remarked, “This lad has ice in his veins. To play such strokes against Bumrah on debut shows he is no ordinary talent.” Konstas’s approach to the game was a fine balance of youthful exuberance and exceptional technique. Despite Bumrah’s best efforts, including several near-misses, the teenager remained unfazed, continuing his aggressive play with stunning confidence. He soon brought up his half-century in just 53 balls, becoming the first debutant in over a decade to score such a rapid fifty. By the end of the morning session, Konstas had scored 62 off 68 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, with Australia at a strong 106 for 1. Teaming up with veteran Usman Khawaja, who played a more measured knock at the other end, Konstas formed a partnership that kept India’s bowlers under constant pressure. Khawaja’s steady 38* provided the perfect foil for the youngster’s fearless strokeplay, and together they weathered the Indian pace attack with ease. Konstas’s innings has already sparked comparisons with the likes of cricketing mavericks such as Kevin Pietersen and Rishabh Pant, with his audacious strokes and aggressive mindset on full display. His debut performance has captured the imagination of cricket fans worldwide, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting what else this young talent will bring to the table in the coming days. For Bumrah, the experience of being hit for sixes by a debutant was an unfamiliar one. Known for his immaculate control and ability to break partnerships, the pacer was forced to regroup after conceding the big hits. Despite a few subsequent tight overs, the damage had already been done. Bumrah, who had gone for over 4,400 deliveries without conceding a six, found himself laughing after his surprise onslaught. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually unflappable bowler. Sam Konstas’s remarkable debut in the Boxing Day Test against India has provided a perfect start to the series for Australia, and his fearless approach promises to be one of the most exciting aspects of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
26 December,2024 10:06 AM IST | MelbourneADVERTISEMENT
