Sam Konstas achieves rare feat in Test cricket against Jasprit Bumrah

Australia made an amazing start to the 1st day of the fourth day in Melbourne. Young Sam Konstas who is making his international debut scored 60 in his first innings to set the tone. The young batter played with fearlessness as he took on India’s bowlers to the cleaners on the opening day of the game on Thursday. 

During the course of his knock, Konstas achieved a rare feat against Jasprit Bumrah. The young batter became just the second batter to hit Bumrah for 2 sixes in a innings in the longest format of the game. The first player to achieve this feat was England star Jos Buttler who hit Bumrah for two sixes during the Nottingham Test in 2018. 

At the end of the 1st session, Bumrah had bowled 8 overs and conceded 41 runs. The 31-year-old has bowled 3 maiden overs but had failed to pick any wicket. Konstas first hit Bumrah for a six using the reverse scoop shot that shocked the Indian bowler. The next six was down the ground as Konstas made good connection with the ball. 

Australia go to lunch in strong position 

India began well with the ball with a few quiet overs to start the day. Once Konstas got going, Rohit Sharma had to employ defensive fields. The young batter didn’t stop as he clobbered the bowlers to all parts of the ground. The crowd was up on their feet as soon as the batter reached his maiden Test fifty. 

Ravindra Jadeja got India their opening wicket when he trapped Konstas LBW for 60 in the 20th over. Marnus Labuschagne came out to bat with aggressive intent as he was batting on 12 runs from 12 balls at lunch with 2 hits to the fence. Akash Deep was India’s most impressive bowler before the break. The 28-year-old bowled 6 overs for 15 runs with a maiden over to keep the lid on the hosts. 

Earlier in the day, Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat in front of a jam packed Melbourne crowd. India made one change to their team as they got in Washington Sundar in place of Shubman Gill. For the hosts, apart from Sam Konstas, it was Scott Boland who made his way into the team for Josh Hazlewood.