Australia’s latest debutant Sam Konstas had a memorable debut in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG against India. Konstas smashed a whirlwind fifty on his Test debut and gave Australia the upper hand in the initial stages of the match.
However, the youngster was also involved in an ugly confrontation with India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli during the game. Both the players exchanged a few words between them before they had to be separated.
After being dismissed, Konstas opened up on his ugly fight with Kohli and seemed to defend the whole incident. The 19-year-old opener stated that such things can happen on a cricket field since both of them wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Sam Konstas breaks silence on his clash with Virat Kohli
While speaking to 7 Cricket after the end of the first session, Sam Konstas spoke to the host broadcaster Trent Copeland about his confrontation with Virat Kohli. Konstas gave a matured reply and revealed that the emotions got to both the players in that situation.
“I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves. And then a little shoulder charge. But it happens, it’s cricket,” Konstas said with a smile on his face.
It is to be noted that Sam Konstas considers Virat Kohli as his favorite cricketer. The opener likes to play an aggressive brand of cricket and displayed his instincts in only his first Test innings.
Sam Konstas thanks Pat Cummins
Sam Konstas also called it a dream to be making his debut at a packed MCG on Boxing Day. He thanked his captain Pat Cummins and the Australian team for making him feel easy and giving him confidence on his debut.
“I think it was a bit of a blur, but a dream come true. Look at the turnout, full stadium. But yeah, the boys have been very welcoming, Pat Cummins, and it feels like home,” Konstas said.
“I think just being fearless, Cummins was telling me. We had our Christmas lunch yesterday, seeing the kids enjoy it, and yeah, you can tell it’s a really family-united group, so yeah, very stoked,” he added.
Sam Konstas lights up MCG on debut
Sam Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney, who produced low returns in the first three Tests of the series. Despite being on debut at a packed stadium, Konstas was positive and made sure to put the pressure back on the Indian bowlers.
He was particularly brutal against the best bowler of the series Jasprit Bumrah which disrupted India’s plans a bit. The youngster played some audacious scoops and reverse-scoops which were highly unexpected for the Indian team.
The opener kept playing his shots during his stay at the crease. He struck 60 off 65 balls to get Australia off to a flier. Konstas smashed 6 fours and 2 sixes during his knock and was finally dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.