Debutant Aussie opener Sam Konstas’ innings might have ended after a 65-delivery stay at the wicket, in the IND vs AUS 4th Test, on the Boxing Day, but his 60 runs spelled danger for India. Despite starting shakily against the new ball against veteran Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas had many misses in the initial interaction with the legend, but the did not let the occasion get the better of him.
Sam Konstas vs Jasprit Bumrah
After nearly a dozen hits and misses, he aced the reverse scoop over fine leg against Bumrah, and treated him like a gully bowler. In one of the overs, the 19-year-old pluck him for 18 runs, and many would have hoped, that the wicket was around the corner. But by this time, Sam Konstas had already grown in confidence and had started to play more conventional shots, indicating, he could be a bright prospect for the future.
Konstas vs Virat Kohli at MCG
Just as his innings was going smoothly, ex-India skipper Virat Kohli did try to disrupt his innings, and shouldered him, but to no real effect. Instead he grew in confidence and started dancing down the track to the fast bowlers as well. And soon, he brought up his fifty in real quick time, sounding a warning for the future, that he is nemesis in the making for the Indian bowlers — just like Steve Smith and Travis Head, over the years.
Yes, Ravindra Jadeja did remove him eventually, but the damage had already been done. During one of the drinks break, he made his intentions clear, about making Bumrah pay. He said, “I’ll look to keep targeting him. Hopefully he might come back on.”
