NEW DELHI: The ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a remarkable debut innings from 19-year-old Sam Konstas, drawing comparisons to the iconic Andrew Symonds from former Australian opener Matthew Hayden.
On the 18th anniversary of Symonds’ maiden Test century at the MCG against England in 2006, Hayden took to social media to reflect on the parallels between Konstas’ fearless batting and Symonds’ career-defining knock of 156 runs.
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Hayden reminisced about batting alongside his “best mate” Symonds during that memorable innings, which marked a turning point in the latter’s Test career.
“18 years ago today, I batted at the MCG with my best mate wearing our baggy green caps for Australia. He made his first Test 100! Watching @samkonstas5 yesterday was exciting, just like I felt standing and watching Simmo batting,” Hayden posted on Instagram.
Konstas’s debut innings of 60 off 65 balls, laced with audacious shots like reverse scoops against Jasprit Bumrah, drew comparisons to Symonds’s raw power and determination.
The youngster’s contribution helped Australia post an imposing total of 474 in their first innings, becoming the youngest Australian in over 70 years to score a fifty-plus score on debut against India.
In response, India’s innings got off to a shaky start, with captain Rohit Sharma dismissed cheaply for 3, continuing his poor form in the series. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the ship with a patient partnership, but a mix-up between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli resulted in Jaiswal’s run-out for 82, triggering a collapse.
Kohli, visibly unsettled, fell soon after for 32, while nightwatchman Akash Deep was also dismissed, leaving India reeling at 156/5 by stumps on Day 2.
The visitors now face an uphill task, trailing by 310 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten overnight and tasked with leading India’s fightback on Day 3.
