WATCH: Sam Konstas’ mindless shot gives India easy wicket during SCG Test

Australia made a blazing start in their chase of 162 during day three of the SCG Test on Sunday. Sam Konstas in particular was seen being aggressive self as he scored 22 runs in quick time to put pressure on Indian bowlers. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna leaked runs with some shocking bowling early with the new ball. 

Jasprit Bumrah who was named the stand-in skipper of the side didn’t come out to bowl after his injury on Saturday. With the Aussies going all guns blazing, Konstas got carried away as he tried to be aggressive against Prasidh Krishna. The 19-year-old tried hoick the bowler across the line for a boundary only to top edge the ball. Washington Sundar settled under the ball and took an easy catch. 

Australia were off to a flying start, but Sam Konstas was dismissed for 22. #AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/ECjPAxWdoq

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025

Konstas had scored 22 runs from 17 balls with three hits to the fence. The little assault had a huge effect on India with the Australian openers having added 39 runs for the 1st wicket in 3.5 overs. Australia need to win the Test to win the BGT series for the first time in a decade and also qualify for the WTC finals. South Africa are already through to the finals and they will face defending champions Australia in the big game at Lord’s. 

Australian batters smash Indian bowlers early 

Mohammed Siraj took the new ball and the very second ball of the day went for five wides. Usman Khawaja decided to use the aggressive route as he hit the ball over the top to signal his intent. The final ball of the over saw Sam Kosntas run down the track and hit the ball over the in-field for a four as 13 runs came off the first over. 

Prasidh Krishna’s second over saw 13 runs being conceded with Australia racing to 26 runs in just 2 overs. The lack of discipline shown by Indian bowlers in defense of such a small total took everyone by surprise. In the next over Konstas hit Siraj for two more boundaries to take the total to 35/0 from 3 overs. 

The wicket of Konstas came against the run of play as he tried to put the pressure on the bowlers. Without Bumrah steaming into bowl the onus will be on Siraj and Krishna to conjure up something special and eke out a win out of nowhere.