Alex Carey praises Sam Konstas’ bold Boxing Day Knock test

Australian batsman-wicketkeeper Alex Carey couldn’t stop singing praises for 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 Christmas 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 in awe of Konstas’ fearless approach.

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

A bold debut that surprised everyone

Konstas was handed his first Test cap after Nathan McSweeney struggled in the first three games. The teenager brought an aggressive energy to the top order, a stark contrast to the methodical batting Australia had previously trusted 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’ debut shot was dazzling, it may not represent his long-term approach.

“I don’t think that’s going to be his blueprint every Test match. But to bowl some early shots and build momentum, it was great to see,” he said.

A new dynamic for the higher order

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

“I thought Nathan and Usman did well in tight spots, absorbing balls when needed. But Sam brought that little bit more – 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

The match also experienced a heated moment between Konstas and Virat Kohli on Day 1, resulting in a brief physical clash and an exchange of words. Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for the altercation, but Carey downplayed the incident.

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

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