The opening day of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 24/25 saw a fiery moment when Indian legend Virat Kohli and Australian debutant Sam Konstas clashed in a shoulder-barge incident. The 19-year-old showed no signs of being intimidated, standing his ground against one of cricket’s greats. However, it wasn’t just that. Konstas was having one and enjoyed the best he could in this BGT Test. He clicked photos with fans right after his dismissals, had a fun session with the crowd while fielding and even had a banter with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Steve Smith on Sam Konstas after Boxing Day Test
Sam Konstas had a debut to remember, scoring a scintillating 60 off 65 deliveries in the first innings, including audacious “scoop” sixes against Jasprit Bumrah. Centurion Steve Smith heaped praise on the youngster. “He’s mad. I think he really enjoyed himself under the lid there. He was chirping. I think at one point (Yashasvi) Jaiswal was actually trying to hit the ball at him to shut him up a bit,” Smith said to 7Cricket. “But look, he’s brought great energy to the team. He’s brought a real confidence, and it’s nice to see him start so well in his first Test match. I think he’s got a bright future.”
Australia’s commanding performance in the Test earned them a crucial series lead. Captain Pat Cummins called it one of the best matches of his career. “What an amazing Test match. All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it’s been amazing to be part of,” Cummins said. “Winning the toss, it wasn’t easy on the first day, but to get up to high 400s was terrific.”
