Australia vs India: Sam Konstas hits half-century on debut to put hosts on top

It has been quite the rise for Konstas, who has only played 11 first-class matches and made his debut for New South Wales in 2023, less than two months after his 18th birthday.

Pitched straight into the action after skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, Konstas was engaged in a fascinating early battle with Bumrah, with the India pace bowler beating the bat four times in his first over.

Konstas got off the mark at the start of Bumrah’s second, before attempting a reverse ramp shot with just the 11th ball he had faced in Test cricket, much to the delight of the Melbourne crowd.

The teenager continued to show no fear, attempting to charge Mohammed Siraj, prompting some choice words and a fiery stare from the India quick.

He then clashed shoulders with former India skipper Kohli at the end of the 10th over, with the players exchanging words before Khawaja and the two umpires calmed the situation down.

Konstas was unruffled, smashing Bumrah for 18 in the next over and geeing up the crowd to keep up the noise, before reaching his fifty with two off Siraj.

An eventful 90-minute innings came to an end when he fell to Jadeja, but left the field to a rapturous reception.

Australia will be further encouraged by the return to form of Khawaja and Labuschagne, who both hit their highest scores of the series so far.

Steve Smith also looks well set on 68, though Carey’s late wicket leaves the Australia tail exposed and sets up a potentially pivotal first session on day two.