Sam Konstas, on December 26 (Thursday), became the second-youngest half-centurion for Australia on day one of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Making his debut at the age of 19 years and 85 days, Konstas didn’t shy away from taking the attack to Jasprit Bumrah and Co. from the start of his innings.
The right-hander tried to reverse scoop the 11th ball of his innings but failed to make any contact. He tried to do the same in Jasprit Bumrah’s next over but failed once again.
As they say, the third time’s a charm; Konstas managed to execute a conventional scoop off Bumrah and sent it for a four towards the fine leg region. Konstas then reversed scoop him for a six and a four in the same over.
The right-hander hit him for his third-most expensive over in Test cricket. Konstas didn’t stop there, slamming Bumrah for 18 runs in his sixth over - the most he has conceded in a Test over.
Konstas kept the attack going and completed his fifty off just 51 deliveries. In the process, he became the second-youngest half-centurion for Australia after Ian Craig (17 years and 240 days - 1953).
He also recorded the third-fastest fifty on debut for Australia in men's Tests.
Konstas eventually was trapped lbw to Ravindra Jadeja, but only after smashing six fours and two sixes in his 65-ball 60.