Debutant Sam Konstas Shines with 60 as Australia Race to 112/1

Australia : In a thrilling debut performance, 19-year-old Sam Konstas announced his arrival with a stunning 60 off 65 balls, leading Australia to 112 for 1 at lunch on Day 1 of the 4th Test against India in Melbourne.

Opting to bat on a pitch perfect for batting, Konstas exhibited his fearlessness early, with boundaries flowing off his bat, including a reverse lap-scoop for four and a six over mid-on against India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. His explosive innings featured six boundaries and two sixes, forcing experts to take notice of his attacking style.

He formed a solid 89-run partnership with Usman Khawaja (38*), who found form in the middle, while Marnus Labuschagne (12*) was at the crease after the break. Despite a few early play-and-miss moments, Konstas’ confidence and aggression stood out, even engaging in a brief verbal exchange with Virat Kohli after a shoulder brush.

Although Mohammed Siraj struggled to find his rhythm, Konstas was eventually trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja (1/20 in 4 overs), bringing an end to his exciting innings. Nonetheless, his debut knock earned him a well-deserved standing ovation from the near-capacity crowd at the MCG.

Konstas’ attacking approach lived up to the Australian team’s decision to include him as an enforcer to take on India’s bowling attack.