BGT 2024-25: [Watch] Sam Konstas reverse-scoops Jasprit Bumrah for a six on debut during MCG test

Sam Konstas clobbered a 52-ball half-century on his test debut.

Sam Konstas had an unbelievable start to his test career. Not that he scored a 52-ball half-century wasn’t terrific enough – he’s highly talented and boasted superb form heading into the MCG test against India – but it was his takedown of Jasprit Bumrah that turned around the heads and got everyone to take notice of the 19-year-old.

Unperturbed at the sight of Bumrah bowling to him with the new ball in front of over 90,000 fans at the MCG, Konstas audaciously launched a scoop and reverse-scoop against the best fast bowler in the world – a bowler who was averaging 10.9, having taken 21 wickets, in the first three tests this series.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first in the 3rd BGT 2024-25 test in Melbourne.

Earlier, Chief Selector for Cricket Australia, George Bailey, had said that they wanted to “to throw something different at India” after naming Konstas as a replacement of Nathan McSweeney, who had been dismissed four times by Bumrah in three tests.

This is what Bailey meant as Konstas tore into the Indian new ball pacers: against Bumrah, Konstas scored 34 runs off 33 balls with four fours and two sixes, and against Siraj, he scored 20 runs off 19 balls with two fours.

Well early into his innings, Konstas attempted a couple of reverse-scoops but failed. However, he connected the third time, sending a full ball from Bumrah over the slips for a stunning six.

Video: Sam Konstas reverse-scoops Jasprit Bumrah for a six on debut during MCG test

He then smoked Bumrah down the ground for another six. Bumrah’s figures went from 3-2-2-0 to 6-2-38-0. The 19-year-old Aussie opener became only the second batsman after Jos Buttler to smash Bumrah for more than one six in test cricket.

Konstas’ debut test innings ended with him scoring 60 runs off 65 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.