Gloves off on Boxing Day: Debutant Konstas’ unconventional strokeplay, Bumrah three-wicket riposte and Kohli’s shoulder bump
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Jasprit Bumrah opened the match with a spectacular first. He made the 19-year-old Australian debutant, Sam Konstas, look like a walking wicket in his first three overs. However, the teenager changed his approach and started playing unconventional shots. Three ramp shots, resulting in two fours and a six, turned the tide and injected the match with much-needed energy. Konstas took the attack to the Indians by taking on the hitherto unplayable Bumrah.
Konstas kept attacking for as long as he batted and the scoring rate at one point was over five an over. “You think of the modern day and a more adventurous incarnation of Virender Sehwag. That’s what Sam Konstas is. There will be days when it’ll not come off and he’ll not look nice. But on other days he will set the tone,” said Justin Langer, former Australia opener and coach.
Konstas liveed and died by the sword. His confrontation with Virat Kohli further added to the drama. By the time Konstas (60 off 65 balls, 6x4, 2x6) was finally out to Ravindra Jadeja, he had provided Australia a strong platform. Konstas’ dismissal was followed by two-and-a-half hours of attritional cricket. Australia focussed on consolidation, while India adopted a patient, waiting strategy. Bumrah picked up Usman Khwaja to a loose shot to bring Steve Smith to the crease. What followed was a
