Teenager Sam Konstas Shines with 60 in Debut Test Innings as Australia Take Strong Start Against India
Teenager Sam Konstas made a memorable debut in international cricket with a stunning knock of 60 off 65 balls, guiding Australia to 112/1 in 25 overs at lunch on day one of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
Konstas, playing in front of over 90,000 fans, faced a tough challenge from India’s red-hot pacer Jasprit Bumrah. In the opening over, he was beaten four times by Bumrah’s pace and movement. However, the young Australian was undeterred, responding with an array of aggressive shots, including scoops, reverse scoops, and crunching drives. His entertaining innings featured four fours and two sixes, showcasing his fearless approach.
Konstas shared an 89-run opening partnership with Usman Khawaja (38 not out), the highest opening stand for Australia in this series. His positive stroke play allowed Khawaja to settle in and play with more freedom, producing his most fluent innings of the series.
Though Konstas’ impressive innings was cut short when he was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja, it was a performance that earned him a well-deserved standing ovation from the MCG crowd. His contribution helped Australia get off to a flying start, putting India on the backfoot early in the contest.
Having elected to bat first, Australia saw Konstas struggle against Bumrah early on, with several failed attempts to ramp the pacer over the keeper’s head. However, his confidence soon grew, and in the seventh over, he responded with a stunning scoop shot for four off Bumrah, followed by reverse ramp shots for a six and another four in the same over. This aggressive burst of 14 runs was the first time since 2021 that a batter had hit Bumrah for a maximum in Tests, highlighting Konstas’ bold approach.
The impact of Konstas’ knock was evident, as India shifted their field positions to counter his attacking shots. He also had a brief exchange with Virat Kohli after a shoulder bump, but that did little to distract the debutant. Konstas continued to dominate, hitting Bumrah for two more fours and a six, before reaching his half-century in style.
Konstas’ luck ran out when he was trapped lbw by Jadeja, who had previously appealed unsuccessfully for an lbw. Jadeja’s next over saw him come around the wicket, where he darted one in to dismiss Konstas for 60, leaving Australia at 112/1.
Marnus Labuschagne, who was unbeaten on 12, provided solid support to Khawaja as the session ended, marking a highly successful first innings for Australia. The bold selection decision by George Bailey and the Australian selection committee to hand Konstas his Test debut in such a crucial match paid off handsomely.
Brief Scores:
Australia 112/1 in 25 overs (Sam Konstas 60, Usman Khawaja 38 not out; Ravindra Jadeja 1-20) against India.
