It is not often that batters take on Jasprit Bumrah, especially in Tests. However, on Thursday, Australian Test debutant Sam Konstas played an extra ordinary knock that included hitting a six against Bumrah – first time in three years.
During the seventh over of the fourth Test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Konstas reverse scooped Bumrah over deep third for a maximum, taking everyone by surprise. Before this, the last time Bumrah was hit for a six was on January 7, 2021, by Cameron Green in Sydney.
The 19-year-old Konstas hit two sixes – both against Bumrah – during his 65-ball 60-run knock. He became the second youngest Australian to score a fifty after Ian Craig, who scored a half-century at the age of 17 years against South Africa in 1953.
Konstas’ innings had several attempts to play reverse scoops and ramps. Off just his 11th delivery in international cricket, the opening batter tried to reverse scoop Bumrah but was beaten, and again in the next over. However, he was successful in his third attempt to clear the fence.
Overall, Konstas scored 34 runs off 33 balls against Bumrah, hitting the current top-ranked Test bowler in the world for four fours and two sixes. The youngster looked confident and during a mid-innings interview with the Australian broadcaster, Konstas said, “I’ll look to keep targeting him. Hopefully he might come back on,” on his matchup with Bumrah.
