NEW DELHI: The ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India on the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a outstanding debut innings from 19-yr-previous Sam Konstas, drawing comparisons to the enduring Andrew Symonds from former Australian opener Matthew Hayden.
On the 18th anniversary of Symonds’ maiden Test century on the MCG in opposition to England in 2006, Hayden took to social media to mirror on the parallels between Konstas’ fearless batting and Symonds’ profession-defining knock of 156 runs.
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Hayden reminisced about batting alongside his “best mate” Symonds throughout that memorable innings, which marked a turning level within the latter’s Test profession.
“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 photographs like reverse scoops in opposition to Jasprit Bumrah, drew comparisons to Symonds’s uncooked energy and dedication.
The teen’s contribution helped Australia submit an imposing whole of 474 of their first innings, turning into the youngest Australian in over 70 years to rating a fifty-plus rating on debut in opposition to India.
In response, India’s innings acquired off to a shaky begin, with captain Rohit Sharma dismissed cheaply for 3, persevering with his poor type within the sequence. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal steadied the ship with a affected person partnership, however a mixture-up between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli resulted in Jaiswal’s run-out for 82, triggering a collapse.
Kohli, visibly unsettled, fell quickly after for 32, whereas nightwatchman Akash Deep was additionally dismissed, leaving India reeling at 156/5 by stumps on Day 2.
The guests now face an uphill activity, trailing by 310 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten in a single day and tasked with main India’s fightback on Day 3.
