WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja ends Sam Konstas’ phenomenal debut, youngster takes selfie with fans after dismissal

Sam Konstas light up the Boxing Day Test with phenomenal batting at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Questions were asked about his debut as Nathan McSweeney did a reasonably decent job as an opener but yet, the Australian team management preferred Konstas for the final two Test matches in the ongoing series against India and he didn’t fail to give the hosts a perfect start.

The 19-year-old particularly challenged Jasprit Bumrah and hit him all across the park. He smacked the premiere India pacer for 14 runs in the seventh over and bettered that to 18 in the 11th over after which, Bumrah was taken off the attack. He also had a verbal warfare with Virat Kohli in the middle but nothing fazed the youngster as he continued playing aggressively and completed his half-century in just 52 deliveries.

Also Read: WATCH: Virat Kohli, Sam Konstas engage in war of words after shoulder bump at MCG

He was looking good against pace but as soon as Ravindra Jadeja was introduced, Konstas struggled for a while before being given out after a LBW appeal. In the 20th over of the game, the all-rounder bowled full and the ball skidded and went on to hit the pads. Jadeja was confident and umpire Michael Gough raised his finger immediately. Konstas, on his way back, had a small chat with Usman Khawaja regarding taking a review but he decided against it.

Watch the video below:

Ravindra Jadeja strikes! 🏏
Sam Konstas departs after an entertaining knock on debut👏 #AUSvIND

pic.twitter.com/fD8MECLX7K

— Brahmasmi 💙 (@Brahmasmee) December 26, 2024

Check the post below: 

Interestingly, soon after his dismissal, the youngster was seen taking selfies and signing autographs for the fans in attendance. He received a standing ovation from the crowd earlier and former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also appreciated his attitude of giving it back to the fans. 

He's quite busy and popular already! 🔥😊

Sam Konstas 🎉🎊 pic.twitter.com/552dtvvPuq

— Lucid Dreamz (@AshishShawshank) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Konstas’ fiery innings also helped Khawaja to settle down. The senior batter struggled with the bat in the ongoing series and with Konstas firing, he got time to find his rhythm and looked in good touch in the first session of Day 1. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuchagne came out to bat in the 20th over, which will also help him as the cricketer won’t have to face the new ball, which bothered him in the series.

Indian bowlers have a tough task ahead as the hosts managed a phenomenal start. Unless the Rohit Sharma-led side bounces back in the second and third session, it could be a mountain to climb for team India with the bat.