BGT: 'I might have looked foolish...', Konstas on ramp shots against Bumrah

Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) Australian newcomer Sam Konstas confessed that he would have seemed foolish if he had been dismissed while trying a ramp shot against the acclaimed Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, yet he maintains that it was a safe play for him.

Konstas made his first appearance in place of Nathan McSweeney during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series on Thursday. The 19-year-old made an immediate impression on the international stage with his audacious stroke play against Bumrah. Throughout his 65-ball innings, the right-handed batsman hit six fours and two sixes.

The Aussie youngster attempted ramp shots against Bumrah during the seventh over, resulting in a sequence of four, six, and four. Remarkably, the Indian star had not conceded a six in his last 25 Tests over the four years leading up to Konstas's performance on Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"He’s an icon of the game, so I aimed to apply some pressure on him, and it worked out today. I’m constantly pushing myself to bring out my best – so engaging in that contest with him and attempting to disrupt his rhythm was vital. Facing him for the first time, I was getting accustomed to his style. He beat my bat on several occasions, but I was fortunate to connect on a few – it was a fantastic contest," Konstas remarked to reporters following the day's play.

"It would have probably looked foolish if I had gotten out, but I've practiced that shot quite a bit, and I genuinely feel it's a safe shot for me," he explained regarding his ramp and reverse ramp shots. "That’s the beauty of being young, perhaps a bit naive! I’m just trying to put pressure back on the bowler in the most effective way I believe possible," Konstas added.

Reflecting on the moment when Indian star batsman Virat Kohli changed his path while holding the ball, leading to a shoulder collision, Konstas commented, "I was just adjusting my gloves, and I think he inadvertently bumped into me."

"That’s just cricket, the intensity. For me, it’s about having that freedom, trusting myself, and aiming to deliver my best on each ball. I was fortunate enough to score some runs today. I was just trying to engage in the contest, facing whoever was bowling, and bringing out my best self. The atmosphere got heated at times, which was beneficial for me. I feel that brings out the best in me," he further explained.

Konstas, who previously scored a remarkable century against the Indian team earlier this month in a Prime Minister’s XI match, noted that his confidence is bolstered by the faith his captain and teammates have in him. The teenager felt at ease within the Australian setup, which enabled him to play his natural game.

"The guys, including skipper Pat Cummins, have been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to be myself and reminding me that I’m here for a reason because I score runs. I felt it was the right moment today to express myself, and it certainly paid off," Konstas shared.

India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, acknowledged Konstas’s impressive performance but mentioned that they were prepared for the young batter’s aggressive style.

"We observed him in the PM XI game prior, where he also scored a hundred against us,” Nayar stated. “We were aware of what we were up against."

Nayar emphasized that Konstas’s distinct strengths were evident during their analysis, even though they couldn’t obstruct him from executing his game plan.

"It was refreshing to see someone come in and play well, whether they’re on our side or the opponent's. It wasn't something that caught us off guard; we anticipated it and closely monitored his practice sessions as well. We understood that those are his strengths; they may vary from others. It’s always pleasing to witness when it works effectively," he added.

After Konstas's bold performance, senior players such as Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne contributed vital half-centuries, propelling Australia to a formidable score of 311/6 at the close of Day 1.