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David Warner has heaped praise on Australia’s young batting sensation Sam Konstas after his dazzling debut during the Boxing Day Test against India. Konstas, 19, lit up the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a fearless 60 off 65 deliveries, an innings highlighted by audacious ramp shots and a remarkable 18-run over off India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
Warner described Konstas’ innings as “very special,” acknowledging the bravery it took to challenge one of the world’s most formidable bowlers. “When someone like Bumrah is bowling to you, you have to try and execute somehow,” Warner said after a Big Bash match. “He put a third-man and fine leg in place and eventually bowled him through the gate in the second innings, but Konstas will look back on this and think, ‘What a great experience in the Boxing Day Test.'”
Konstas’ aggressive approach impressed the veteran batter, who called for selectors and fans to back the debutant’s bold style of play. “People are going to criticise him – that’s the nature of the beast – but that’s the way he’s going to play,” Warner said.
The innings capped off a dream summer for Konstas, who has already notched twin tons in the Sheffield Shield, a century against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, and a record-breaking fifty on his Big Bash League debut for the Sydney Thunder. His fearless attitude belied his age and provided much-needed momentum for Australia.
Warner, reflecting on the impact of Konstas’ innings, expressed hope that his aggression would inspire others in the lineup. “Him being brave at the top of the order is something that others with experience can learn from,” Warner said. “You’ve got guys who have played 50 Tests – they could have been brave as well, played different shots, moved out of their crease. It shouldn’t take a debutant to shift the momentum.”
Australia face a significant challenge in Sydney, where they look to seal the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Bumrah taking 30 wickets at an astonishing average of 12.83 this series, Warner acknowledged the difficulty of facing him. “He’s a genius. His record is incredible. Averaging under 20 in the series, he’s tough to put off,” Warner said, adding that Konstas’ performance against Bumrah offered a blueprint for handling the Indian quick.
Warner’s faith in Konstas was clear as he urged fans and teammates alike to celebrate and emulate the young batter’s fearless approach. “What he did was brave, and that’s the way Australians play cricket,” Warner said. “Hopefully, others can take a leaf out of his book in Sydney.”
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