Alex Carey praises Sam Konstas’ Daring Boxing Day Test Knock

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey couldn’t stop singing the praises of 19-year-old Sam Konstas after his thrilling Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Facing a near capacity crowd on Boxing Day, Konstas smashed 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 delighted with Konstas’ fearless approach.

“I was a spectator at that first session,” Carey said. “Sometimes I couldn’t watch it, and occasionally I cheered.”

A brave debut that surprised everyone

Konstas was handed his first test cap after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three matches. The teenager brought the aggressive energy to the top level, a stark contrast to the methodical hitting Australia which he relied on earlier in the series.

“Just the energy he brought — it was something different,” Carey said. “He 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’ first shot was flashy, it may not represent his long-term approach.

“I don’t think that’s his plan every Test match. But it was great to see that I hit a few shots early and got some momentum,” he said.

New dynamics for top order

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

“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in tight spots, absorbing balls when needed. But Sam brought that little extra — scoring when it mattered,” Carey said.

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

Kohli-Konstas incident: No hard feelings

In the match, there were fierce moments between Konstas and Virat Kohli on the first day, which led to a brief physical confrontation 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’m aware of … I think I saw a photo of them shaking hands afterwards,” Carey said. “It’s Test cricket. Sam didn’t take it to heart.”

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