BGT 2024-25: Unheralded Sam Konstas signals his arrival on the big stage

Melbourne: Rewind your memories to 1989 when a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar sensationally demolished Abdul Qadir, perhaps the best leg-spinner of that time, in an exhibition match against Pakistan on his debut series.

It was a lost cause for India until the precocious teenager decided to change the course of the game. India eventually fell short of target but Tendulkar had announced his arrival like few have since.

The scenes weren't exactly as exhilarating at the near-full Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, the opening day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia. But another immensely talented teen, Sam Konstas, unperturbed by reputations, took down the best fast bowler -- Jasprit Bumrah -- in the world with an audacious display of skill and temperament.

The rookie’s method, as unorthodox as it was effective, left the Indian maestro searching for answers. 

The early overs saw Konstats attempt two scoops off Bumrah that failed, signaling both intent and risk. Undeterred, he executed his plan in the seventh over. The first scoop sailed over the wicketkeeper’s head for four. The second one cleared the third man for six, and a third scoop added another four. This wasn’t just improvisation; it was a strategy designed to disrupt Bumrah’s rhythm.

"Yeah, definitely premeditated especially with the pace but just trying to keep my head still and just watch it as hard on my back," Konstas said while agreeing that his shots were premeditated. "I got a few away today and changed the field, which was good, and then trying to bolster my zones."

The duel became a masterclass in unpredictability. Konstats alternated between stepping out, playing from the crease and scooping, forcing Bumrah to constantly adjust his lines and lengths. The rookie batter held the upper hand, showcasing ingenuity and fearlessness against Bumrah’s trademark accuracy.

In the face of relentless aggression, Bumrah persisted, only to witness Konstats’ brilliance flourish further. A drive through mid-off, a flick to the boundary, and a towering six over long-on showcased the youngster’s ability to play orthodox cricket too. 

Konstats’ fiery approach stirred tension and drama. His demeanor seemed to rile the Indian camp, particularly Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli. Siraj engaged in heated exchanges, while Kohli couldn’t resist a shoulder nudge as Konstats walked past. Yet, the teenager remained composed, letting his bat do the talking. A sweetly timed cut off Siraj for four further underlined his defiance.

By the time Konstas guided Bumrah to the boundary for yet another four, the narrative was clear. This wasn’t just a battle between bat and ball; it was a clash of mental fortitude and tactical brilliance. The young batter’s ability to “demystify” Bumrah revealed a refreshing approach to countering a world-class bowler.

"He is a legend of the game obviously so I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him and it paid off today," Konstas said. "...Obviously he took three wickets and he changed the momentum of the game but I am always challenging myself trying to bring the best out of myself so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away."

Konstas was a bit cautious in the first two overs, showing that he could bat the orthodox way as well. But once the right-hander sized up the conditions and got used to the pace, he sped away.  

"I was just getting used to the wicket, first time facing him, getting used to his action, obviously he beat my bat quite a few times and I was lucky enough to get a few away but it was a great contest."

The contest between Bumrah, at the peak of his craft, and Konstas, the fearless debutant, was as intriguing as it was dramatic.