Alex Carey praises Sam Konstas’ daring Boxing Day test hit

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey couldn’t stop praising 19-year-old Sam Konstas after his electrifying Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In front of a near-capacity crowd on Boxing Day, Konstas scored a thrilling 60 off just 65 balls, including two audacious sixes off Jasprit Bumrah.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Carey admitted he was amazed by Konstas’ brave approach.

“I was a spectator in that first session,” Carey said. “Sometimes I couldn’t see it, and sometimes I was cheering.”

A bold debut that surprised everyone

Konstas was awarded his first Test cap after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three matches. The teenager brought an aggressive energy to the top order, a stark contrast to the methodical batting Australia had relied on earlier in the series.

“Just the energy he brought was something different,” Carey said. “I probably didn’t expect that much of a difference, but he played a style of cricket that was probably new to India as well.”

Carey added that while Konstas’ debut knock was dazzling, it may not represent his long-term approach.

“I don’t think that’s their plan for every Test match. But it was great to see him throw some punches early and get some momentum,” he said.

A new dynamic for the higher order

Carey acknowledged the contributions of McSweeney and Usman Khawaja in difficult situations early in the series. However, he admitted that Konstas brought a new dimension.

“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in difficult moments, absorbing balls when necessary. But Sam brought that little extra: scoring when it was necessary,” Carey said.

With the fifth Test being played at Konstas’ home SCG, Carey hopes the young opener gets another chance to shine in front of a familiar crowd.

Kohli-Konstas incident: No hard feelings

The match also saw a heated moment between Konstas and Virat Kohli on Day 1, leading to a brief physical clash and an exchange of words. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for the altercation, but Carey played down the incident.

“Not that I know of… I think I saw a photo of them shaking hands afterwards,” Carey said. “It’s Test cricket. “Sam didn’t take it seriously.”

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