On Monday, prior to his confirmation for the Boxing Day Test debut, Sam Konstas boasted about his ‘secret’ strategy for facing Jasprit Bumrah, though he refrained from disclosing the details. “I intend to apply pressure back on the bowler,” he stated. “Jasprit Bumrah is the best in the world, but I won’t be studying him excessively. I have already observed him quite a bit.”

Some attributed his confidence to the audacity and carefree nature of youth, while much of it was seen as mere bravado. What strategies could a 19-year-old possibly devise against the world’s top bowler, a player who had unsettled his more seasoned teammates in the initial three Tests, boasting 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.90, and causing Australian cricketers and their supporters many restless nights?

Skepticism regarding Konstas's claims intensified when he was dismissed four times by Bumrah in the first over of the Test on Thursday morning. In Bumrah’s subsequent over, Konstas attempted a reverse ramp shot. This was only the 11th delivery he faced in his Test career, and predictably, he missed it by a considerable margin.

The audacity of his attempt drew gasps from the press box, likely echoed by the crowd in the densely populated stands of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Konstas tried another reverse shot in Bumrah’s next over but failed again. It seemed as though nerves had overtaken him, and he was struggling to solve the Bumrah conundrum.

However, everything changed in Bumrah’s fourth over. On the first ball, he unexpectedly walked across his stumps and executed a scoop to fine-leg for four runs. Bumrah halted, offering a knowing smile. Konstas met the premier fast bowler’s gaze without flinching. The following delivery sailed over third-man for six, as the reverse scoop finally succeeded on the third attempt. In that same over, he executed another reverse shot, resulting in another four runs. A total of fourteen runs had been scored off Bumrah’s fourth over. What a turnaround!

Come again, Konstas most certainly did. Come hard at Bumrah, that is.

One was convinced that after that over, Bumrah would recalibrate. He had too much skill, too many tricks, too much quality to allow an upstart to call the shots. And that too on debut, no less.

Sam Konstas didn't stop there

Bumrah charged in for his subsequent over, increasing his speed and delivering a bouncer that forced Konstas into a defensive stance. However, this only lasted for that single over.

In the following over, Konstas unleashed his aggression. He struck the first ball powerfully through mid-off for four as he advanced down the pitch. Remarkably, it was against Jasprit Bumrah. While others were attempting to evade Bumrah, Konstas boldly approached him. One might question his judgment.

Yet, Konstas appeared unfazed. After a brief struggle with a perfectly executed slower ball, he launched Bumrah's delivery over long-on for six, then retreated and guided an attempted full toss to square third man for another four. The runs were accumulating rapidly, leaving spectators in disbelief at the spectacle unfolding. Jasprit Bumrah, typically a formidable bowler, was being dismantled methodically by a young player who had participated in the Under-19 World Cup earlier that year and had been dismissed without scoring in the final against India.

India's sense of helplessness grew as Konstas's innings gained momentum. Following the initial over, there was an eerie sense of familiarity, reminiscent of Nathan McSweeney's earlier exploits. When the first reverse scoop was attempted, the slip fielders, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, exchanged amused glances. However, those smiles soon transformed into frustration and escalating anger, culminating in a shoulder clash between Kohli and Konstas. Who was this player? How could he treat our Jasprit, who had figures of 6-2-38-0, with such disregard?

India anticipated a mistake from Konstas, which they believed was bound to happen. Although he took risks and benefited from some good fortune, he did not commit any critical errors. After witnessing the second reverse scoop, Rohit adjusted the field. He positioned a skilled third man and a competent fine-leg to counter the unconventional scoop shot. Nevertheless, Konstas did not let pride cloud his judgment. Instead of continuing with the reverse ‘V’ shots, he shifted his focus to the traditional ‘V’, staying one step ahead of the Indian bowlers and one and a half steps ahead of Bumrah.

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