BGT 2024-25: Hayden Sees Echoes of Symonds in Konstas’ Batting
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden celebrated the 18th anniversary of Andrew Symonds’ first Test century with an emotional tribute, highlighting similarities between debutant Sam Konstas’ daring performance against India during the current Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Symonds’s remarkable innings of 156 runs at the MCG in 2006, a pivotal moment in his career, is firmly entrenched in cricket history. Hayden’s reflections underscored the link between that legendary performance and the emergence of a new talent in Konstas.
“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 exhilarating, reminiscent of the excitement I felt while observing Simmo bat,” Hayden shared on Instagram.
In 2006, Symonds scored 156 off 220 balls against England, showcasing unmatched power and tenacity. After being recalled midway through the Ashes series, he celebrated his first Test hundred by lofting Paul Collingwood for six, receiving thunderous applause from the MCG crowd.
This performance marked a turning point in his career, as he averaged over 60 for the rest of his 26-Test journey. His partnership with Hayden and penchant for the dramatic endeared him to fans, with this match also notable for Shane Warne’s landmark 700th Test wicket.
Fast forward to 2024, Sam Konstas’s debut at the MCG resonated with echoes of Symonds’s boldness. The 19-year-old struck a quick-fire 60 off 65 balls, featuring audacious reverse scoops against India’s pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.
Konstas’ innings played a crucial role in helping Australia compile 474 in their first innings, making him the youngest Australian in over 70 years to score more than fifty runs on debut against India.
Following Australia’s formidable total, India’s innings began tumultuously. Captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed early for 3, continuing his struggles throughout the series. K.L. Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the innings with composed batting, with Jaiswal’s steady 82 serving as the backbone of India’s response. Partnering with Virat Kohli, Jaiswal added 102 runs for the third wicket before disaster struck.
A miscommunication between the two led to Jaiswal’s run out, a pivotal moment that initiated India’s collapse. Kohli, visibly disrupted, soon followed for 32, edging Scott Boland to Alex Carey behind the stumps. Nightwatchman Akash Deep was caught at short fine leg, leaving India in a precarious position at 156/5 by stumps on Day 2.
The burden of India’s survival now lies with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, both unbeaten overnight, as they strive to close the 310-run deficit on Day 3.
