Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich praised 19-year-old Sam Konstas for his impressive debut during the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Konstas played a pivotal role, scoring 60 runs off 65 balls, including an audacious 34 runs off Jasprit Bumrah in his first spell. His aggressive approach, featuring reverse scoops and ramp shots, helped set a positive tone for the Australian innings and allowed Usman Khawaja to settle at the other end.

While Warner applauded Konstas’ bold style, he also anticipated future criticism, acknowledging that such is the nature of cricket. He emphasized that experienced players should also exhibit bravery at the crease, suggesting that senior batters could learn from Konstas’ fearless attitude. 

Warner noted that it shouldn’t take a debutant to shift momentum in a match, highlighting the need for seasoned players to step up and play aggressively against top bowlers like Bumrah.

Despite Konstas’ remarkable performance, Australia’s senior players struggled against Bumrah, who took nine wickets in the match. Warner expressed disappointment with the senior batting lineup’s approach and called for more contributions from them in future matches. As Konstas continues to develop his game, his debut has set high expectations for both himself and his teammates moving forward in the series.