Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old debutant for Australia, delivered a charming efficiency on his Take a look at debut in the course of the Day 1 of Boxing Day Take a look at in opposition to India on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) on December 26. The younger batter showcased distinctive composure and ability, smashing a brisk 60 off 65 balls to change into the second-youngest Australian to report a Take a look at half-century. His knock, laced with six boundaries and two towering sixes, supplied Australia with early momentum earlier than he fell sufferer to Ravindra Jadeja’s guile within the twentieth over, trapped LBW whereas trying to counterattack.
Conflict between Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli
Konstas’ debut was exceptional for his batting and an on-field confrontation that captured the highlight. The drama unfolded within the tenth over, starting with a verbal change between Konstas and Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer, after beating Konstas with a pointy supply, directed a number of fiery phrases on the teenager. Konstas, displaying no indicators of intimidation, responded by smashing a boundary off the subsequent ball, signaling his intent with each his bat and phrases.
Issues escalated additional when Virat Kohli, fielding at mid-off, turned concerned. As Konstas walked to the non-striker’s finish after the over, he and Kohli inadvertently brushed shoulders, sparking an intense stare-down and an change of phrases. The scenario grew heated sufficient to require intervention from umpire Michael Gough and Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ opening associate. Khawaja calmly positioned his arm on Kohli’s shoulder whereas Gough spoke to each gamers, guaranteeing the match resumed with out disruption.
Right here’s the video:
— Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 26, 2024
Kohli and Konstas come collectively and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Additionally READ: AUS vs IND: Right here’s why Shubman Gill not enjoying Boxing Day Take a look at match in opposition to Australia
Flashes of brilliance in opposition to a world-class assault
Regardless of the confrontation, Konstas maintained his focus and performed a fearless innings, notably in opposition to India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Using a mixture of traditional strokes and revolutionary shot-making, Konstas repeatedly unsettled the Indian pacers. His use of ramp pictures and aggressive front-foot drives mirrored his adaptability and maturity, traits not typically seen in a debutant.
Konstas’ keep on the crease got here to an finish when Jadeja, along with his trademark accuracy, dismissed him on the second ball of his spell. Though his innings ended prematurely, it was sufficient to put a robust basis for Australia, leaving the Indian bowlers looking for breakthroughs early within the match.
Usman Khawaja holds agency as Konstas falls earlier than lunch
After the dismissal of debutant Konstas, who impressed with a brisk 60 off 65 balls, Australia continued their regular progress in opposition to India on Day 1 of the fourth Take a look at in Melbourne. Khawaja anchored the innings with a composed half-century, reaching 50 off 101 balls, whereas Marnus Labuschagne joined him and added 12 runs off 40 balls by lunch. India managed to tighten their traces post-dismissal, with Akash Deep delivering economical spells and Jadeja putting at an important second. At lunch, Australia stood at 112/1 in 25 overs, setting a strong platform for an enormous first-innings whole.
