Sam Konstas - The Young Aussie Prodigy Who Stunned The Best Bowler In The World

In the fourth India vs Australian Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, 19-year-old cricket prodigy Sam Konstas made history for Australian cricket. On Boxing Day, Sam Konstas made his international debut for Australia against India, making him his nation's youngest men's Test batting debutant in 71 years. With the series at a 1-1 deadlock, the teenager from New South Wales was called up to replace Nathan McSweeney, who scored just 72 runs in six innings over the first three Test matches. During the Australia U19 World Cup campaign, Konstas was a notable performer who amassed 191 runs in seven innings, including a historic century. He is now regarded as one of Australia's best cricketing talents due to his steady junior-level results. Interestingly, the youngster, who was selected for the final two Border Gavaskar Trophy matches against India, claimed to have received the news during net practice.

“I was actually in the nets when I got the call from George Bailey, and he told me I was in the Test squad. I was so thrilled. I called my parents straight away and and they were very emotional,” the teen said.

“Mum was in tears; I was trying not to cry and Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs. I am very grateful for their sacrifices,” he added.

Also Read: Will Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli To Retire From Test Cricket After The Border Gavaskar Trophy?

Sam Konstas vs Jasprit Bumrah - An Unlikely Matchup

Sam Konstas's initial try at a ramp shot did not work out. Jasprit Bumrah grinned wryly after a swing and a miss in the breezy heat of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day. Usman Khawaja, who was 38 a week ago, grinned at the non-striker's finish. The result of this futile battle was almost assumed in the favor of the bowler when Konstas missed a second attempt minutes later. Selectors had taken a chance at a pivotal point in a Test series that will shape this generation of Australian players. Konstas had just participated in 11 first-class games and had just turned 19. The spotlight could not be brighter, and the stakes could not be higher. The New South Welshman was clearly out of his element in those first overs, and it was totally understandable as he was, after all, facing the best bowler in the world. However, one of the most heated episodes in Australian sports history ensued. 

The opener had smacked Bumrah out of the attack by the time he left the field after being bowled out by Ravindra Jadeja for 60. The Indian lead of the pace battery let up more than a run per ball and ended his first spell with an almost unbelievable none for 38 from six overs. However, the focus quickly shifted from his sensational performance to his scuffle with the Indian stalwart Virat Kohli. Konstas engaged in a shoulder-to-shoulder exchange with Kohli, the most revered figure in the Indian as well as the world cricket, which will be investigated by the match referee for sure. Nonetheless, the young debutant wasn’t the slightest bit intimidated by the towering presence of the Indian legend and stood his ground firmly glaring down the aggressor. But still, the unbelievable part remains to be his valiant efforts to defy expectations. It shouldn't be feasible to play the way Konstas did on debut against Bumrah in the first Boxing Day Test session.