In a thrilling display of youthful exuberance, 19-year-old Australia batter Sam Konstas made headlines during his Test debut at the Boxing Day Test against India. Facing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showcased a bold T20-style approach in his blistering knock of 60 runs that left commentators and fans alike in awe.
The stage was set at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Konstas walked out to open the innings. The young debutant faced an uphill battle against Bumrah, who has long been regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. After a cautious start, where he struggled to connect with two attempted ramp shots, Konstas finally found his rhythm in the seventh over. He executed a brilliant reverse ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for four runs, followed by an audacious six that sent shockwaves through the stadium.
Commentators were left speechless by his audacity. Mark Waugh exclaimed, “I cannot believe this,” while Ravi Shastri remarked on how Konstas had effectively unsettled Bumrah, a strategy that seemed to pay off handsomely. “He has done well to unsettle Bumrah and so far it has worked for Konstas”, Shastri said.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Konstas continued to attack, finishing the over with two boundaries and a total of 16 runs – Bumrah’s highest concession in recent memory.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test
Here’s the video:
WHAT IS GOING ON?!
Konstas ramps Bumrah for four…
And next ball ramps Bumrah for SIX!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/crhuNOMVLc
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
A historic moment for Konstas
Konstas’ achievement was not just about runs; it was historic in nature. By hitting Bumrah for a six, he became the first batter since Cameron Green in 2021 to achieve this feat against the Indian pacer, who had gone an astonishing 4483 deliveries without conceding a six in Test matches. This remarkable statistic underscores the significance of Konstas’ performance and positions him as a player to watch in future matches.
The debutant’s fearless approach has drawn comparisons to the “Bazball” style of cricket popularized by England under coach Brendon McCullum. Waugh noted that Konstas had clearly formulated a plan against Bumrah, despite initially keeping it under wraps.
The reactions from seasoned commentators were telling of the impact Konstas made with the bat. Adam Gilchrist praised his ability to take on one of the world’s best bowlers with such confidence at such a young age.
“He had said that he has got a plan against Jasprit Bumrah, but didn’t reveal it. This might be his way of taking down Bumrah,” Gilchrist concluded. The consensus among experts was clear: Konstas’ performance was not merely an anomaly but rather indicative of a new generation of cricketers who are unafraid to challenge traditional norms.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill not playing Boxing Day Test match against Australia
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