Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey He couldn't stop singing the praises of 19-year-old Sam Konstas after his electrifying Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Facing a near capacity crowd on Boxing Day, Konstas smashed a sensational 60 off just 65 balls, including two scintillating sixes off Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Carey admitted he was in awe of Konstas' fearless approach.
“I was a spectator that first session,” Carey said. “At times, I couldn't see, and at times, I was cheering.”
A daring debate that surprised everyone
Konstas was handed his first Test captaincy after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three games. The teenager brought aggressive energy to the max, a stark contrast to the methodical batsman Australia it was relied upon earlier in the series.
“Just the energy he brought — it was something different,” Carey said. “That difference was perhaps unexpected, but he played a style of cricket that was perhaps new to India as well.”
Carey said that while Konstas' debut was great, it may not be representative of his long-term approach.
“I don't think that's his plan every Test match. But to throw some strikes early and get momentum, it was good to see,” he said.
New Dynamic for the highest order
Carey acknowledged the contributions of McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in difficult situations earlier in the series. However, he admitted that Konstas brought a new dimension.
“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in difficult areas, dipping balls when needed. But Sam gave that extra little bit of scoring when it mattered,” Carey said.
With the fifth Test being played at the SCG, Konstas' home ground, Carey hopes the young opener will get another chance to shine in front of a familiar crowd.
Kohli-Konstas incident: No hard feelings
The match also saw a heated moment between Konstas and Virat Kohli on Day 1, leading to a brief physical confrontation and an exchange of words. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for the change, but Carey downplayed the incident.
“Not that I'm aware of … I think I saw a picture of them shaking hands afterwards,” Carey said. “It's Test cricket. Sam didn't take it to heart.”
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