‘Got more than what we expected’ - Head coach Andrew McDonald on Sam Konstas' arrival

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald was impressed by Sam Konstas’ brilliant knock on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Boxing Day Test against India.

The 19-year-old replaced Nathan McSweeney and played some sensational cricket, including some reverse scoops and ramp shots against ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. His fearless approach helped Usman Khawaja settle down as the veteran went on to register his maiden half-century in the series. 

Talking about the impact Konstas created, McDonald noted that the middle-order batters also got going on the back of the start which Konstas managed to give. The head coach added that the team got more than what they expected from the young gun. He also believes that the aggressive template could work for Australia for the years to come.

"I suppose the conversation was how early was he going to get into those proactive shots, and twelfth ball did surprise me a little bit. We knew what we were getting into as selectors. You follow that journey,” McDonald was quoted as saying by ICC. 

Also Read - David Warner lauds Sam Konstas’ bravado, calls out seniors for poor approach vs Jasprit Bumrah

“Did we get a little bit more than what we expected? No doubt about that. His ability to put pressure on, and I think people talk about heavy duty runs in the first innings, and he put the pressure back on and allowed our middle order to get to work. And Steve Smith capitalised on that and Marnus (Labuschagne) was good, so it set the tone. There’s no doubt about that. I thought that combination of top looked like something going forward that could work,” he added.

Meanwhile, Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the fourth Test. The hosts are leading 2-1 in the series and if they manage to pull a draw or win the Sydney Test, they will win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in almost 10 years.