WATCH: Virat Kohli, Sam Konstas engage in war of words after shoulder bump at MCG (Photo Source: Disney+ Hotstar)
Young Australia opener Sam Konstas looked phenomenal on his international debut against India at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. He looked in great rhythm and managed to give the hosts a perfect start that they were looking to capitalise on after winning the toss. The 19-year-old played an aggressive brand of cricket and smacked Jasprit Bumrah all across the park to complete his half-century.
Shortly before that, he engaged in verbal warfare with star India batter Virat Kohli. After the completion of the 10th over, when Kohli was moving towards the other end, he casually bumped into Konstas as their shoulders hit in the middle. The 36-year-old initially didn’t look back but interestingly, Konstas did not enjoy it and started the verbal battle. Kohli wasn’t shy to give it back as Usman Khawaja and David Gough in the end interfered and separated the cricketers.
Watch the video below:
Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024
The verbal battle didn’t interrupt Konstas’ mindset, who kept on aggressively. He completed his half-century in 52 deliveries. He celebrated the landmark by pointing out the Cricket Australia logo on his chest and addressed the crowd with a traditional raise of the bat. Meanwhile, right after completing his half-century, Konstas pulled Mohammed Siraj for a boundary, showing no signs of slowing down.
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Notably, the youngster was in the scheme of things right from the start as former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson opined on his selection in the playing XI. The team management however decided to play Nathan McSweeney in the first three Tests and despite him doing reasonably well, the cricketer was dropped for Konstas. On his debut, the youngster showed his capability and has arguably sealed his spot in the playing XI.
After David Warner retired from Test cricket, Steve Smith made his way to the top of the order but the move failed as he failed to establish his authority. Finally, with Konstas, Australia will be looking for a long-term project and can also plan Usman Khawaja’s replacement in the coming times.