Australia's number three batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, believes that Sam Konstas managed to get under the skin of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, which may have prompted Bumrah to imitate the celebrations of the 19-year-old Australian debutant. During the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Konstas achieved his first fifty, employing reverse sweeps and ramp shots to disrupt the rhythm of bowlers like Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

On the third day, Konstas energized the crowd as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli were dismissed in quick succession. However, he struggled in Australia's second innings, getting bowled by Bumrah.

Subsequently, it was Bumrah's turn to engage the crowd. Virat Kohli, who had shoulder-barged Konstas on the opening day, celebrated more subduedly, while Bumrah took center stage.

“I’m quite certain the young player got under his skin a little,” Labuschagne remarked during the post-match press conference.

“I certainly feel frustrated when I get 'wang'd' or reverse lapped in the nets, let alone when I’m bowling. So, I would say that had a fair bit to do with it. Sam is a very self-assured young player, and I admire that quality in him," he continued.

Labuschagne further commented, "I’m sure he enjoys being in the contest, and he’ll appreciate that Bumrah has ramped it up. I have no doubt he will be prepared for the next innings.”

'MCG pitch playing tricks'

Jasprit Bumrah was in exceptional form, claiming four wickets to leave Australia at 91/6 in their second innings. Nevertheless, Marnus Labuschagne contributed 70 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Pat Cummins to stabilize the Australian innings.

Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon also added over 50 runs for the tenth wicket, pushing Australia's lead beyond the 330-run mark.

“I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow, but I can reflect on today. I think there was seam movement from the first innings, and clearly, there was a lot to work with,” Labuschagne stated.

The initial innings proved to be quite laborious, particularly during the first 40 to 50 overs. However, as the match progressed, the bounce of the pitch has diminished and become increasingly erratic. Consequently, we are witnessing a greater number of deliveries striking the stumps and more balls skidding through, a trend that is reflected in the data, he remarked.

On Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test, a total of 98 overs are scheduled to be bowled. All four outcomes remain feasible as the final day approaches.

“The pitch was quite flat. I recall there were some cracks starting to form, but overall, the main area of the pitch was in very good condition,” Labuschagne stated.

“In an ideal scenario, we would have preferred to set a higher target for India and perhaps bowl fewer overs. However, given our need to secure a victory, we had to take some additional risks,” he concluded.

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