BGT 2024-25: Did Jasprit Bumrah crack the code against Sam Konstas in boxing day test?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has finally opened up about his intriguing battle with Australian debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The young batter took an aggressive approach early on, leaving Bumrah under pressure in the first hour of play.
Speaking to the host broadcaster ahead of Day 3, Bumrah reflected on his duel with Konstas and drew parallels to his experience in T20 cricket. When asked whether bowling to Konstas posed a challenge, Bumrah offered a cheeky response, claiming he felt he could have dismissed the debutant multiple times in the first two overs.
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The best fast bowler in the world joins us. Jasprit Bumrah chats about:
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 27, 2024
- Whether this is the best he's ever bowled
- How he felt bowling to Sam Konstas on Boxing Day
- Why he feels like playing in Australia brings the best out of him
- The current state of the Test#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vlchRCwXjl
"I have experienced heaps of it. I have played T20s for the last 12 years of my life. Interesting batsman. I always felt that I was in the game, I never felt that I was far away from taking his wicket, maybe even 6-7 times in the first two overs. But you know, that's how cricket goes. Some days it pays off, it looks good, and some days it does not. I love different challenges and I am always looking forward to it," Bumrah said.
Konstas, after struggling in the opening overs and being repeatedly beaten outside the edge, switched gears and launched two unconventional sixes off Bumrah. The 19-year-old batter’s aggressive knock of 60 off 65 balls disrupted the Indian bowling unit’s rhythm and paved the way for Australia’s dominance.
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Following Konstas’ quickfire innings, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne stabilized the innings with half-centuries, while Steve Smith powered his way to his 11th Test hundred against India. Riding on these performances, Australia posted a commanding total of 474 by the end of Day 2.
India’s top order faltered in response, managing just 159 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the lone bright spot, scoring 82 off 118 balls before a disastrous mix-up with Virat Kohli resulted in his run-out. Kohli (36) looked solid but fell late in the day, edging a delivery from Scott Boland.
With Australia firmly in control, India faces an uphill task to stage a comeback in this high-stakes Test match.
