Australian curule Alex Carey couldn’t stop singing the praises of 19-year-old Sam Konstas after his electrifying Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Facing a near-capacity crowd on Boxing Day, Konstas smashed a thrilling 60 off just 65 balls, including two audacious sixes off Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Carey admitted he was in awe of Konsta’s fearless approach.
“I was a spectator that first session,” Carey said. “At times I couldn’t watch it and at times I was cheering.”
A bold debut that surprised everyone
Konsta was handed his maiden Test cap after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three matches. The teenager brought an aggressive energy up top, a stark contrast to the methodical batting Australia had been based earlier in the series.
“Just the energy he brought — it was something different,” Carey said. “He probably didn’t expect that much of a difference, but he was playing a style of cricket that was probably new to India as well.”
Carey added that while Konstas’ debut was dazzling, it may not represent his long-term approach.
“I don’t think that’s his plan in every Test match. But throwing some punches early and getting some momentum, it was great to see,” he said.
A new dynamic for the top order
Carey acknowledged the contribution of McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in difficult situations earlier in the series. However, he admitted that Konstas brought a new dimension.
“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in tight spots, sucking up balls when needed. But Sam brought that little bit extra – scoring when it mattered,” Carey said.
With the fifth Test being played at the SCG, Konsta’s home ground, Carey hopes the young opener will get another chance to shine in front of a familiar crowd.
Kohli-Konstas Incident: No Hard Feelings
The match also saw a heated moment between Konstas and Virat Kohli on Day 1, which led to a brief physical altercation and exchange of words. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for the altercation, but Carey downplayed the incident.
“Not that I’m aware of… I think I saw a picture of them shaking hands afterwards,” Carey said. “It’s Test cricket. Sam didn’t take it to heart.”
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