Melbourne [Australia], December 26: Australian debutant Sam Konstas spoke about his exciting encounter with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah during the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In the post-day press conference, Konstas recognized Bumrah’s impact on the match and discussed the strategies he employed to face the experienced bowler.
Konstas explained that his goal was to push himself to the limit during his first-ever battle with Bumrah. “I was trying to bring the best out of myself, so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away,” he said. “It was all about getting used to the wicket and facing him for the first time.”
Despite the challenges, Konstas admitted that Bumrah’s skill put him under pressure. “He beat my bat a few times, and I was lucky enough to get a few away. But it was a great contest,” Konstas reflected.
The young Australian batter impressed on his debut with a thrilling 60-run knock from 65 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. His performance was a highlight of the first session of the Boxing Day Test, where he and Usman Khawaja formed a solid opening partnership of 89 runs, stabilizing the Australian innings.
Konstas played with confidence, showing no signs of nerves despite facing one of the world’s best bowlers in Bumrah. In the seventh over, Konstas unleashed a bold attack, hitting Bumrah for back-to-back boundaries. The first was a scoop shot that sent the ball over the stumps for a four, and the second was a reverse shot that sailed over the boundary for a six.
Konstas became the eighth batter in Test history to hit a six off Bumrah, marking his name in the record books. Later, in the 14th over, he reached his maiden international fifty, becoming the second-youngest Australian to score a half-century in Test cricket.
Though his knock was cut short when he was dismissed by India’s Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over, Konstas’ fearless batting on debut made a significant impact on the match.