Teenager Sam Konstas made a historic debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG, opening the batting in front of a packed crowd. By noon, the 19-year-old reached an impressive 60 off 65 balls, rattling the Indian attack with aggressive stroke play, including a memorable straight six off Jasprit Bumrah. Unfortunately, his innings ended at 60, bowled by Ravindra Jadeja in the 19th over.
Konstas, the youngest Australian to open in Test cricket, provided crucial support to Usman Khawaja, who has struggled this series. Khawaja also showed signs of form, registering his highest score of the series so far.
India’s star pacer Bumrah faced rare treatment from Konstas, as the debutant showcased remarkable composure against one of the world’s best bowlers. His performance has kept the series finely poised at 1-1, with Australia needing to win one of the final two Tests to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Konstas received his baggy green cap from former captain Mark Taylor and was encouraged by Pat Cummins to embrace the moment. “There’s a level of naivety that lets you play freely, just like in the backyard as a kid,” Cummins reflected.
Australia’s lineup welcomed Travis Head, who passed a late fitness test, and Scott Boland, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Boland returns to the MCG, where he famously took 6-7 on debut. “Scotty always delivers when given the chance,” Cummins said.
India has made strategic changes, including the return of captain Rohit Sharma to the top order and the addition of Washington Sundar as a second spinner. The tourists are confident, having won their last two Tests at the MCG.
Teams
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (capt), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
With AAP
