Day one moments: Sam Konstas v Jasprit Bumrah ignites SCG thriller

Before things got truly ugly at the SCG, Sam Konstas threw down the gauntlet to Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian great took up the challenge and then some to ignite an already tense series decider.

Day one of the Sydney Test will be remembered for the moment India’s fired up fielders surrounded Sam Konstas after the final over of play, but it was two overs earlier that the teen batting sensation laid down the gauntlet to Jasprit Bumrah.

WHOA THERE

The world was waiting for Sam Konstas to throw some chilli in the mix at the SCG – and he didn’t disappoint.

Emerging to bat just 15 minutes from stumps, teenage tyro Konstas used his feet to the great Jasprit Bumrah first ball of the Australian innings and whipped him through midwicket for four.

It was the moment that reignited India’s simmering feud with the talented teen, and things quickly escalated from there.

Sam Konstas whips Jasprit Bumrah for four with the first ball of the innings.

KABOOM

This much is certain – Konstas gets under India’s skin.

The biggest drama came off the last ball of the day and it set the tone for a pulsating day two on Sydney’s liveliest deck for many years.

Jasprit Bumrah enticed an edge off a watchful Usman Khawaja to KL Rahul in the slips and immediately spun on his heel to give Konstas a serve.

Konstas had been involved in a verbal exchange with the Indians after Bumrah twice pulled up in his run-up in his final over as Khawaja tried to soak up time at the other end.

Jasprit Bumrah gives it to Sam Konstas after dismissing Usman Khawaja

FINGERS AND GRASS

It seemed like the biggest New Year’s firework of all – a Steve Smith stunner to dismiss Virat Kohli first ball.

Lunging low with an outstretched right hand at second slip, Smith flicked the ball towards Marnus Labuschagne who took it at gully.

Scott Boland was on a hat-trick. Except, in a decision that split the cricket world, third umpire Joel Wilson deemed that Smith hadn’t controlled the ball fully before it touched the grass. The Indian great got a reprieve.

Third umpire Joel Wilson deemed that Steve Smith hadn't controlled the ball fully

PANTS OFF

You just never know when Rishabh Pant’s lid is going to pop off its saucepan.

But it’s fun to watch. Ravi Jadeja was dropped during the 46th over off Beau Webster but the very next ball Pant decided to put the pressure back on Australia by advancing and smashing The Slug for a smoking six which lodged on a high white blanket in the sight screen and had to be fetched with a ladder. The shot showed Pant had not lost his courage despite being struck on the pad-body-helmet nine times in the first 60 balls he faced.

Rishabh Pant smokes a six for India

WEAK AT THE GILLS

Indian batsman Shubman Gill may have a million dollar swagger but he lacks fibre.

Gill again disappointed India when the pressure was on with an horrendously timed dismissal last ball before lunch when he advanced down the wicket, propped and tried to defend, only to edge a catch to slip.

He left with his head down and so he should have after being baited by Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne about his “gardening” of the pitch and falling into their verbal trap.

Shubman Gill again disappointed India with an horrendously timed dismissal last ball before lunch