Watch: Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas get into fiery exchange after mid-pitch bump, Usman Khawaja, umpire separate duo

Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas get into fiery exchange after mid-pitch bump

Sam Konstas made an excellent debut in the fourth Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. The 19-year-old provided the hosts with a superb start and negated the Jasprit Bumrah threat with a rather unorthodox approach. He was eventually dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja for 60(65) and added 89 runs with Usman Khawaja for the first wicket.

Konstas did the bulk of scoring, which began with some audacious scoops against Bumrah. The 19-year-old initially failed to make connections on first three occasions but when he did, all the shots resulted in boundaries, forcing India to place a fielder behind the stumps near the boundary rope.

What Im seeing with Sam Konstas is fearlessness & borderline stupidity. But thats what Australia wanted. Wanted some one to face Jasprit Bumrah in different way.
Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 26, 2024

But what was even more intriguing was the way he frustrated the opposition as Mohammed Siraj, who shared the new ball duties with Bumrah, was seen exchanging words with the youngster during his spell. However, the batter remained unfazed and allowed his bat to do most of the talking.

It didn't stop there as Virat Kohli too tried to break Konstas' momentum and dashed against the youngster in between overs, leading to a fiery exchange between the batter and the fielder. Usman Khawaja then got involved in the act as he along with the on-field umpire tried to calm things down, bringing an end to the ugly confrontation between the two. The incident took place after the conclusion of the 10th over by Siraj.

Kohli and Konstas come together and make contact #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/adb09clEqd7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024

His efforts helped Australia close the opening session at 112/1 as Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will continue the proceedings post Lunch.

Meanwhile, if we look at the playing XI India made a brave call to drop Shubman Gill and bring an extra spinner in the form of Washington Sundar. The skipper also confirmed that he will open the innings during the toss.

Australia, on the other hand, have made two changes as Scott Boland comes in for Josh Hazlewood, who picked up an injury in the previous encounter in Brisbane. Konstas, who didn't waste any time to create an impact, replaced Nathan McSweeney.