Sam Konstas’ blistering innings dominates the key day 1 moments at the MCG

Just 17 balls into his career at cricket’s highest level, a premeditated shot from debutant Sam Konstas stunned both India and Australia, and set the table for a breathtaking Boxing Day.

Day 1 in Melbourne delivered in spades, as Australia and India jockeyed for position in the all-important 4th Test match of this series.

The day was dominated by its first act however, as Sam Konstas delivered a debut for the ages to leave fans begging to see more.

Daniel Cherny and Robert Craddock pick out the key moments from the MCG.

THE WORLD CHANGED

It was the air-swing that stunned the world. Just 17 balls into the match, Sam Konstas shocked the world by moving outside leg-stump to try and ramp Jasprit Bumrah, an all-time great in the making, over slips. Had he been clean bowled he would have looked like a Christmas turkey. But he survived and it was a sign of the fireworks to come.

Konstas' first ramp attempt

WICKET WAYS

This was full of symbolism. Sam Konstas, on his Test debut, going face-to-face with Virat Kohli. The Indian legend was hot under the collar after the teenager had taken to India’s attack, with the former captain veering off his path to charge into the shoulder of the Aussie opener. Cooler heads eventually prevailed after some choice words were exchanged between the pair.

Virat Kohli shoulders Sam Konstas

THE ONE-TWO PUNCH

Konstas may have been beaten by four balls in the first over but he was committed to staying on the high wire. He may have missed his first audacious scoop shot off Jasprit Bumrah but reset his radar and, from the first two balls of the seventh over, hoisted Bumrah over slips for six and four in breathtaking fashion.

Sam Konstas ramp six

BUMRAH RETURNS SERVE

You just can’t keep Jasprit Bumrah down in this series, and so it proved again. India’s ace got one to jag back in a mile to nick the off-bail of Travis Head shouldering arms before the South Australian had scored. It was magical, for the tourists at least. Cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Bumrah bowls Travis Head

BALL AND ALL

Marnus Labuschagne isn’t averse to some histrionics, but this felt perfectly justifiable. With consecutive deliveries from Mohammed Siraj, Labuschagne copped it in the groin. By the time of the second blow, Australia’s first drop was brought to his knees. A cherry mark on his trousers showed the uncomfortable point of impact.

Marnus hit again

Originally published as Sam Konstas’ blistering innings dominates the key day 1 moments at the MCG