Constance himselfa 19-year-old debater for Australiadelivered an impressive performance on his Test debut during Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test against him India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26. The young batsman showed great enthusiasm and skill, smashing a quick 60 off 65 balls to become the second youngest Australian to record a Test half-century. His knock, with six boundaries and two towering sixes, gave Australia an early boost before succumbing Ravindra Jadeja guile in the 20th over, trapped LBW while trying to counter.
A clash between Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli
Konstas' debut was remarkable for his batting and on-field confrontations that caught the eye. The drama appeared in the 10th overbeginning with a verbal exchange between Konstas and Mohammed Siraj. The Indian pacer, after hitting Konstas with a sharp delivery, directed some fiery words at the youngster. Konstas, who did not appear to be afraid, responded by breaking the boundary of the next ball, signaling his intention with his bat and his words.
Things escalated when Virat Kohlifield at noon, engaged. As Konstas walked to the no-hitter's end after the over, he and Kohli casually brushed shoulders, took a quick glance down and exchanged words. The situation became heated enough to require intervention from the umpire Michael Gough and Usman Khawajaopening partner Konstas. Khawaja gently placed his arm on Kohli's shoulder as Gough spoke to both players, ensuring that the match would start without a hitch.
Here is the video:
—Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 26, 2024
Kohli and Konstas come together and communicate 👀#AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
Read also: AUS vs IND: Here's why Shubman Gill didn't play the Boxing Day test match against Australia
Flashes of brilliance against a world-class attack
Despite the conflict, Konstas kept his focus and played a fearless innings, especially against the Indian spearhead jasprit burah. Using a combination of classic strokes and innovative shot-making, Konstas once again troubled the Indian pacers. His use of ramp shots and aggressive forehand drives showed his flexibility, qualities not often seen in debate.
Konstas' stay ended when Janetwith his trademark precision, he killed him on the second ball of his spell. Although his innings ended prematurely, it was enough to lay a strong foundation for Australia, leaving the Indian bowlers looking for a breakthrough early in the game.
Usman Khawaja holds firm as Konstas falls before lunch
After the dismissal of Konstas, who impressed with a quick 60 off 65 balls, Australia continued their steady progress against India on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Melbourne. Khawaja anchored the innings with a well-made half-century, reaching 50 off 101 balls, while Marnus Labuschagne with him and added 12 runs off 40 balls before lunch. India managed to tighten their lines after the dismissal, with Deep Akash delivering economical spells and Jadeja striking at a crucial time. at lunch, Australia stood at 112/1 in 25 overssetting a solid platform for a huge number of first-innings.
