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Xtra Time Web Desk: Jasprit Bumrah was at his lethal best with the new ball during the second innings of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, December 29. The Indian pacer outclassed 19-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas, removing him early to the delight of Indian supporters in the stands.

Konstas, who had impressed with an aggressive knock in the first innings, failed to repeat his heroics this time. Partnering Usman Khawaja at the top, he faced a fierce spell of bowling from Bumrah and Akash Deep. Unable to handle the pressure, Konstas’s stay at the crease lasted just 18 deliveries.

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MIDDLE STUMP! Jasprit Bumrah gets Sam Konstas with a pearler. #AUSvIND | #DeliveredWithSpeed | @NBN_Australia pic.twitter.com/A1BzrcHJB8

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2024

Bumrah’s brilliance came to the fore in the 7th over when he delivered a sharp in-cutter on a good length. The ball jagged back sharply, sneaking between Konstas’s bat and pad to hit the top of the off-stump. The young Australian was left stunned as Bumrah celebrated the dismissal with an animated gesture, urging the crowd to get louder.

Bumrah’s celebration appeared to be a response to Konstas’s own antics on Day 3, where the Australian opener had tried to rally the crowd while fielding near the boundary. The dramatic send-off highlighted the competitive spirit of fast bowlers, as former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar humorously remarked, "Fast bowlers, they have long memories."

Unlike his fluent 61 off 65 balls in the first innings, Konstas seemed uneasy on a pitch that offered significant movement for the seamers. His lack of confidence against Bumrah’s accuracy proved costly.

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Bumrah’s dismissal of Konstas took his tally to 26 wickets in the series, reinforcing his dominance as India’s bowling spearhead. The Indian vice-captain has led from the front, delivering consistent performances despite the bowling unit struggling to fire collectively.

The energy on the field was palpable, with Virat Kohli seen actively guiding field placements and motivating his teammates. India’s charged-up performance on Day 4 showcased their determination to take control of the Test match.