January 1, 2025: Alex Carey, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batter, praised young sensation Sam Konstas for his remarkable performance during the Melbourne Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly noting how the 19-year-old’s aggressive style of play was a “new” and refreshing approach, especially for the Indian team.
Australia secured a thrilling 184-run victory in the Melbourne Test, taking a 2-1 lead in the series and ending India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. Konstas, who was called up as a late replacement for Nathan McSweeney, had the tough challenge of opening the batting against India’s world-class pace attack in front of a packed MCG crowd. Despite his youth and inexperience at this level, Konstas was fearless and aggressive, showcasing his natural talent.
Konstas made an immediate impact with a stunning ramp shot off Jasprit Bumrah, a display of his intent to attack even the best bowlers. His performance was not just about the runs he scored but the energy he brought to the Australian side. Carey, who was watching the first innings from the sidelines, recalled the excitement and tension of the moment, describing it as a unique experience for both the players and the fans.
“I was a spectator that first session and I probably had the emotions, the 90-odd thousand that were there. At times I couldn’t watch it, at times I was cheering, but just the energy he brought, it was something different. I probably wasn’t expecting that amount of difference,” Carey said. His admiration for Konstas’ fearless approach was clear, as the 19-year-old brought a new kind of energy that injected life into the Australian camp.
Carey also reflected on Konstas’ style of cricket, which was “probably new to India,” suggesting that the young Australian’s attacking game might have caught the Indian bowlers by surprise. His dynamic approach was a breath of fresh air, particularly in a series where intensity from the Australian openers had been lacking earlier. Carey pointed out that Konstas’ ability to take on the opposition, especially Bumrah, with aggressive strokes added much-needed momentum for the team.
“I don’t think that’s his blueprint for every Test match, but to be able to throw a few punches early, and get a bit of momentum for us… the opening partnership was probably just lacking that intensity,” Carey added. He emphasized how Konstas’ fearless approach was part of a broader strategy to set the tone early in the innings, something that was crucial for Australia, given the tough situations they had faced earlier in the series.
Despite his brief stint at the crease, Konstas managed to entertain the crowd and make an impression, scoring 60 runs off 65 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja. His innings showcased his natural flair for attacking cricket, something that seemed to resonate well with the Australian fans.
The match ended with Australia setting India a target of 340 runs on the final day. Despite having the whole day to chase the target, India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, and they were bowled out for 155 in the 80th over. This handed Australia a comprehensive victory and solidified their position in the series.
Looking ahead, Australia will take on India in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. With Australia leading 2-1, the series finale promises to be an exciting conclusion to one of the most intense Test series in recent history. As for Sam Konstas, his fearless approach has not only earned him the admiration of his teammates but also set a new benchmark for aggressive cricket in the Test format. The young batsman’s performances in the series could very well pave the way for a bright future in Australian cricket.
