How Sam Konstas’ brutal assault rattled Jasprit Bumrah in the India vs Australia MCG Boxing Day Test
A 19-year-old Sam Konstas, making his Test debut, dismantled the world-class Jasprit Bumrah, and it was truly a remarkable sight. Sam Konstas’ brutal assault rattled Jasprit Bumrah
On Monday, just before he was set to make his debut in the Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas boasted about his ‘secret’ strategy for dealing with Jasprit Bumrah, though he kept the details to himself. “I’m mainly going to focus on putting pressure back on the bowler,” he stated. “Jasprit Bumrah is the best in the world, but I won’t be studying him too closely. I’ve already watched him plenty.”
As a teenager, there’s often a lot of bravado and bluster. What kind of plans could a 19-year-old possibly have for the world’s top bowler, a player who had already unsettled his more experienced teammates in the first three Tests, boasting 21 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.90, and causing Australian cricketers and their fans countless sleepless nights?
The opinion that Konstas was just talking nonsense gained traction when he was dismissed four times by Bumrah in the first over of the Test on Thursday morning. In Bumrah’s next over, Konstas tried a reverse ramp shot. It was only the 11th delivery he had faced in Test cricket. Unsurprisingly, he completely missed the ball.
What audacity, everyone gasped in the crowded box. Most likely in the densely packed stands around the Melbourne Cricket Ground as well. Konstas tried and missed another reverse in Bumrah’s next over. It seemed as though he was gripped by nerves, struggling to solve the Bumrah conundrum.
Until.
Until, in Bumrah’s fourth over, he did the unthinkable. On the first ball, he walked across his stumps and scooped it to fine-leg for four. Bumrah halted in his tracks, offering him a knowing smile. Konstas met the premier quick’s gaze, refusing to back down.
The next ball sailed over third-man for six, the reverse scoop finally coming off on the third attempt. In that same over, another reverse, another four. Fourteen runs had come off Bumrah’s fourth over. What just happened?
Indeed, Konstas made a strong impression, especially against Bumrah. It was hard to believe that after that over, Bumrah wouldn’t adjust his approach. He possessed an abundance of skill, a variety of tricks, and a level of quality that should have prevented a newcomer from taking control. And to think, this was his debut.
Sam Konstas didn’t stop there (Sam Konstas‘ brutal assault rattled Jasprit Bumrah)
Bumrah charged in for his next over, increasing his speed and delivering a bouncer that had Konstas on the back foot. But that was just for that one over.
In the following over, Konstas unleashed his aggression. He sent the first ball racing through mid-off for four as he charged down the pitch. Against Jasprit Bumrah, no less. While everyone else was trying to avoid Jassi, here was Konstas running right at him. You must be out of your mind, mate.
No, I’m not, sir, Konstas seemed to reply. After getting tangled up with a perfectly executed slower ball, he launched Bumrah over long-on for six, then stepped back and guided a full toss to square third man for another four.
The runs were coming thick and fast; it was hard to believe what was happening right in front of you. Jasprit Bumrah, being dismantled piece by piece, without a hint of respect, by a young man who had just played in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year. He had been dismissed without scoring in the final of that tournament against India.
India’s frustration grew as the Konstas innings picked up pace. After the first over, there was a familiar feeling, reminiscent of a Nathan McSweeney performance. When the first reverse scoop was attempted, the slip cordon—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli among them—could only smile.
Those smiles quickly turned to frustration, escalating into anger that culminated in a shoulder clash between Kohli and Konstas. Who was this player? How could he treat our Jassi, who had figures of 6-2-38-0, with such disregard?
India anticipated a mistake from Konstas, believing it was bound to happen. However, despite taking risks and having luck on his side, he didn’t make any critical errors. After the second reverse scoop, Rohit adjusted the field. He positioned a solid third-man and also had a reliable fine-leg for the more traditional scoop—if that could even be called traditional.
Konstas didn’t let his ego take over. Instead of sticking to the reverse ‘V’, he began to focus on the classic ‘V’, staying one step ahead of the Indians and one and a half steps ahead of Bumrah, who must have been stunned by the boldness and skill of such a young player. (Sam Konstas’ brutal assault rattled Jasprit Bumrah)
The ‘secret’ plan is out in the open now. Konstas has revealed his strategy. Bumrah didn’t react as quickly as he would have preferred. His pride, more than anything, has taken a hit, and he will seek revenge. This series has unexpectedly become thrilling.
