Sam Konstas, 19, made a remarkable Test debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming only the second player to hit two sixes off Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah in a single Test innings. This came after Australia won the toss and elected to bat in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Konstas displayed an aggressive and fearless approach from the moment he stepped onto the field. He immediately targeted Bumrah, showcasing his intent to make an impact.
After surviving a maiden over, Konstas quickly seized the initiative. He executed a reverse ramp shot, sending Bumrah's delivery over the wicketkeeper for a boundary.
Konstas's aggressive approach continued. He followed up with a stunning reverse scoop for six, sailing over the slip fielders. This audacious shot was noteworthy as it marked the first six conceded by Bumrah in Test cricket after 4483 balls or since 2021.
Konstas continued his assault on Bumrah, adding another six in the 11th over. This made him only the second player, after England's Jos Buttler, to hit two sixes off Bumrah in a single Test innings.
Konstas's batting showcased not just power but also precise timing and accuracy. His mature and fearless approach belied his young age, suggesting he is well-suited to the demands of Test cricket.
Konstas received his Test debut cap from former Australian captain Mark Taylor. This marked a significant milestone in his career. At 19 years and 85 days old, he became the fourth youngest Australian to debut in Test cricket.
Konstas joins a select group of young Australian Test debutants. He follows Ian Craig, the youngest ever at 17 years and 239 days. Pat Cummins and Tom Garrett also made their debuts at 18, placing Konstas among the rising stars of Australian cricket.
Australia XI for the fourth Test: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland.
India XI for the fourth Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep.
