Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey couldn’t stop singing praises for 19-year-old Sam Konstas after his electrifying Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Facing a near-capacity crowd on Boxing Day, Konstas smashed a thrilling 60 off just 65 balls, including two audacious sixes off Jasprit Bumrah.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Carey admitted he was in awe of Konstas’ fearless approach.
“I was a spectator that first session,” Carey said. “At times, I couldn’t watch it, and at times, I was cheering.”
A Bold Debut That Surprised Everyone
Konstas was handed his maiden Test cap after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three matches. The teenager brought an aggressive energy to the top order, a stark contrast to the methodical batting Australia had relied on earlier in the series.
“Just the energy he brought—it was something different,” Carey said. “Probably wasn’t expecting that amount of difference, but he played a style of cricket that was probably new to India as well.”
Carey added that while Konstas’ debut knock was dazzling, it might not represent his long-term approach.
“I don’t think that’s his blueprint every Test match. But to throw a few punches early and get momentum, it was great to see,” he said.
A New Dynamic for the Top Order
Carey acknowledged the contributions of McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in tough situations earlier in the series. However, he admitted Konstas brought a fresh dimension.
“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in tricky spots, soaking up balls when needed. But Sam brought that little extra—scoring when it mattered,” Carey said.
With the fifth Test being played at the SCG, Konstas’ home ground, Carey hopes the young opener will get another chance to shine in front of a familiar crowd.
Kohli-Konstas Incident: No Hard Feelings
The match also saw a heated moment between Konstas and Virat Kohli on Day 1, leading to a brief physical clash and an exchange of words. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for the altercation, but Carey downplayed the incident.
“Not that I’m aware of… I think I saw a photo of them shaking hands after,” Carey said. “It’s Test cricket. Sam didn’t take it to heart.”
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