Sam Konstas hit Jasprit Bumrah for a reverse ramp six.© AFP

Team India surrounding Australias Sam Konstas (C) after dismissal of Usman Khawaja during fifth Test.© AFP

Virat Kohli was dismissed for 17 runs in first innings of SCG Test© AFP

“It was just another day for him” but not for a filled-to-capacity MCG as 19-year-old Sam Konstas went after a modern-day pace great with the ferocity of a Greek warrior, refused to back down from a confrontation and showed utter disdain for the archaic defence-first approach against India. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the sensation from Sydney, who is of Greek descent, made a debut to remember at the Boxing Day Test and created the impact that the Australian team management wanted from him.

“I reckon maybe 20-30 years ago, people were probably saying defend a lot, just about all day but I think for new generation, there are new shots,” Konstas said after a 65-ball 60, that included a couple of audacious sixes in the peerless Jasprit Bumrah’s first spell.

“It’s exciting for me obviously, I like doing that, putting pressure back on the bowlers and hopefully it pays off in the next innings,” not for once he sounded arrogant but the confidence was quite stunning to observe.

At the start of the year, Konstas played against the India U-19 team in the age group World Cup final where he was out for a forgettable nought. Cut to end of this year, he had 87,242 people on their feet to welcome his Baggy Green Cap No. 468.

The right-hander, who has made a name playing for New South Wales, was brought in to replace a rather jittery Nathan McSweeney and present a “different challenge to India”. Evidently, he understood the assignment quite well.

The baby-faced player also had a brief but not-so-friendly chat with one of his childhood heroes and a giant of the game, Virat Kohli. But what stood out was the kind of brazenness he displayed in handling Bumrah that very few have dared to in the last six-seven years.

“Yeah, definitely premeditated especially with the pace but just trying to keep my head still and just watch it as hard on my back. But yeah, got a few away today and changed the field, which was good, and then trying to bolster my zones,” Konstas explained.

But there is method to the madness, he insisted, and was quite dismissive of the fear of failure.

“I think it probably will look silly if I do get out, but I worked pretty hard on that shot and I feel like it’s probably a safe shot for me really,” he said of his hits against Bumrah.

“But I think that’s the beauty about being young. It may be a bit naive, but I’m just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers, the best way I think is and yeah, good to get a few runs today,” he added.

Despite his confidence, Konstas is also respectful of what a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre is capable of doing.

“He’s a legend of the game obviously. So I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him and it paid off today. I think I am always challenging myself, trying to bring the best out of me,” said Konstas, who has learnt his cricket under former Bangladesh first-class player Tahmid Islam.

In addition, Konstas has been mentored by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.

‘Was lucky early on’

Konstas accepted that he was lucky when Bumrah beat his bat four times in the very first over.

“I think, just getting used to the wicket, first time facing Bumrah, getting used to his action. He beat my bat quite a few times and I was lucky enough to get a few away but it was a great contest,” he said.

Nonetheless, taking risks is his style of play and it wouldn’t change, he insisted.

“Pat Cummins was being really good to me, just saying, be myself and I’m here for a reason because I’m scoring runs. So I felt that was the right moment today to do it and yeah, it paid off. I’ll always be Sam,” he said.

After being presented with the Test cap by former skipper Mark Taylor, with his brothers and parents in attendance, Konstas literally sprinted out in the middle, eager to get on with the game.

He requested senior partner Usman Khawaja to allow him first strike against Bumrah.

“…that’s a part of my routine. I always like to go out first, assert my dominance in a way and try to own the crease. But yeah, I told Uzzie (Usman Khawaja) straightaway, I’m going to go out first, and I’m going to go for the win.

“…he’s so good to bat with, very calm and relaxed and just someone to trust my instincts and back my game,” he heaped praise on his senior partner who also got a half century as Australia raced to 311/6 on day one.

But no matter his confidence, watching the nearly packed MCG and a choc-a-bloc Aussie dug-out made everything surreal for the youngster.

“I feel like the boys welcomed me. So just playing with that freedom and backing myself and lucky to get a few runs today, obviously a bit disappointed with the way I got out,” he said.

Jasprit Bumrah (right) in action during India vs Australia Test series 2023-24.© AFP

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah became the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The 31-year-old surpassed teammate and veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin during the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. No. 1 in the ICC Test bowler Bumrah have 66 wickets in 13 Tests, while Ashwin, who announced his retirement at the end of the third Test on Wednesday, has 63 wickets in 14 Tests. Bumrah’s brilliance was on full display in Brisbane. In Australia’s second innings, after dismissing Khawaja, the pacer scalped Marnus Labuschagne for 1 and returned to clean up Pat Cummins on the first ball of his second spell.

Across both innings, Bumrah finished with a remarkable match haul of 9-94 in 34 overs.

Bumrah’s meteoric rise has put him in contention to break several records. If he manages to pick up six wickets in the remaining two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he will surpass Ravichandran Ashwin’s record of most wickets for India in a single WTC cycle.

Ashwin, who remains India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history, had claimed 71 scalps in 14 Tests during the inaugural 2019-21 WTC, with Australian spin wizard Nathan Lyon leading the chart with 88 wickets in 20 matches, a feat he achieved during the 2021-23 edition.

Moreover, on Wednesday, Bumrah also became India’s leading Test wicket-taker in Australia. He surpassed Kapil Dev’s previous record of 51 wickets during the second session on the final day of the Gabba Test.

Earlier, the 31-year-old pace maestro registered his third Test five-wicket haul in Australia on day two of the third Test. Among Indian bowlers, only Kapil Dev has more five-wicket hauls in Australia, with a total of five, while Anil Kumble sits second in the list with four five-fers on Australian soil.

This was Bumrah’s 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his 8th in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He has become the first Indian to do so. Bumrah broke the record of Kapil Dev, who is second in the list with 7 fifers to his name.

India vs Australia 3rd Test Live Streaming and Live Telecast: It will be a Test of character for the Indian cricket team as it faces a resurgent Australia in the third Test of the five-match series at The Gabba, Brisbane. The visitors won the first game by 295 runs to take an early lead in the series, despite the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Jasprit Bumrah, the Player of the Match, not only shone with his performance in bowling but also captained the side in absence of Rohit.

Came in the right-handed batter Rohit in the second Test and it seemed that a stronger India will put more pressure on Australia, but the result of the second game was opposite. Against the run of play, Australia bounced back and registered a one-sided 10-wicket win over the visitors.

With two matches done, the series is levelled at 1-1 and the winner of the third game is definitely going to have a superb advantage from this point. This makes the third game all-more crucial.

When will the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy start?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start on December 14 (IST).

Where will the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy be held?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be held at the Gabba, Brisbane.

What time will play start in the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

Play in the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start at 5:50 AM IST. The toss will take place at 5:20 AM.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and DD Sports.

Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy?

The India vs Australia 3rd Test match of Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be live streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Ahead of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh highlighted the importance of taking on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Marsh noted that merely “seeing off” the “best bowler in the world” could lead to losing one’s wicket, emphasising the need to adapt to the situation and apply pressure with attacking batting when required. The third Test of the series is set to begin on December 14 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground.

Following a resounding 295-run defeat to the visitors at Perth’s Optus Stadium–where standout performances from Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were on display–the hosts bounced back strongly. Exceptional bowling efforts from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, combined with a counter-attacking century from Travis Head, secured Australia a dominant 10-wicket win as they chased a modest target of 19 runs.

With the series now level at 1-1, the next encounter takes place at “The Gabba,” a venue where an inexperienced Indian side handed Australia their first Test loss in over 32 years during the 2020-21 tour.

Marsh, who has scored 62 runs in two Tests and three innings so far, with a best of 47, is the only player in Australia’s top seven yet to be dismissed by Bumrah in the series. Speaking about facing the top-ranked Test pacer, Marsh said during a pre-match press conference, “He is coming. When you have the best bowler in the world, if you are just trying to see him off, he is going to have one with your name on it. It is about applying pressure with your own method and taking the challenge on.”

“Everyone has their own plans, and we all bat differently, so it is about the situation in the game. Sometimes you have to get through a spell, and sometimes it is time to attack. We have players in our batting line-up who play differently,” he added.

“Getting through in your own way and moving the game forward is really important when you are facing one of the best attacks in the world,” Marsh concluded.

Regarding his bowling workload, Marsh stated that his body feels good and that he is prepared to bowl as much as captain Pat Cummins requires. After bowling 17 overs and taking three wickets at Perth, Marsh came into the second Test at the Adelaide Oval slightly sore and managed only four overs in the first innings, conceding 26 runs without a wicket.

Marsh explained that the plan leading up to the series was to manage his bowling workload, with guidance from skipper Cummins, medical staff, and head coach Andrew McDonald. While he was expected to bowl during the Sheffield Shield, recurring back issues, which have troubled him since the white-ball tour to the UK in September, delayed those plans.

During the England series, Marsh bowled only once, during an ODI at Lord’s–his first outing with the ball since suffering a hamstring injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) in April while playing for the Delhi Capitals.

“We had a really clear plan before the series started. I did not bowl as much as I would have liked in the lead-up, but our medical staff, Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald), and Patty were really clear on my preparation, and I trusted that. I have not had to bowl much so far, but my body is feeling really good. Right now, it feels as good as it has felt,” Marsh said.

Asked if he was limiting his overs, he responded, “Not in my mind, no. I will try to be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our all-rounders have not bowled much in Australia over the past few years, but I am really thankful to the medical staff, Ronnie, and Patty for giving me the space between the first and second Tests to get right for the game.”

On the potential return of pacer Josh Hazlewood for the third Test after recovering from a side strain, Marsh said, “The great thing about Josh is that he’s a very level-headed character. He will do everything he can to be fit for the game, and then it is up to the leadership group and selectors to make the final decision.”

Rohit Sharma will take a step back to lead from the front as India look for the perfect combination to drive home the advantage against a wounded but famously resilient Australia in the day/night Test starting in Adelaide on Friday. Rohit, returning to the side from a brief paternity break, has taken the tough call of pushing himself down the order to accommodate K L Rahul at the top alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Both Rahul and Jaiswal excelled in Perth and had a big part in India’s biggest overseas win.

Shubman Gill has recovered from a thumb injury and will be back in the side alongside Rohit.

The resourceful side would be happy to have the headache of having to shuffle the side than being under-strength, which was the case when they last toured and beat all expectations to come out trumps.

Ahead of the second Test, Rohit said he decided to change his batting position keeping the team’s interests in mind.

“We want result, we want success. Those two guys at the top they batted brilliantly in Perth. I was watching from home. Rahul was brilliant to watch. He deserves that place at this point in time.

“There is no need to change that now, may be things will be different in future. Personally not easy for me (to move down) but for the team it made a lot of sense,” said Rohit adding that he will bat somewhere in the middle.

Playing Australia in Australia tends to bring the best out of the visiting Indian team which defied all expectations to boss the series-opener in Perth, handing Australia their first loss at the Optus stadium.

In their last trip Down Under, India made a comeback for the ages following the 36 all out debacle at the Adelaide Oval but the visitors are placed much better this time around, following the resounding result in the opening Test.

However, the day-night game presents a different challenge for the visiting team batters, who will have to be at their best to negate the extra seam movement generated by the pink ball, especially in the twilight phase.

Australia, who have lost only one out of their 12 day-night Tests at home, will be hurting from the hiding in Perth and having got a 10-day breather, they will be under pressure to make a comeback in the series.

Rohit, whose Test career got a second wind after he started opening in 2019, will bat in the middle order at least for for the time being.

The captain would want to be back among the runs after a lean home series against New Zealand.

His record in Australia is nothing to write home about and he would want to change that on probably his last tour Down Under.

Rohit and Gill will bolster the playing eleven at the expense of Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel.

Having recovered from a thumb injury, Gill looked good in the practice match and will carry the confidence of his past performances in Australia when he walks in to bat the at the hallowed ground.

The biggest positives with the bat in Perth were Virat Kohli regaining his rhythm and Jaiswal’s coming of age hundred in his debut Test in Australia. Both will look to build on those significant gains here.

No changes are expected in the bowling department though traditionally, the Adelaide pitch has aided the spinners, bringing R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja into discussion.

India’s Predicted XI for Adelaide Test vs Australia:

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj.

Witnessing Virat Kohli’s batting or Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling is a pure delight for the cricket fans. While Kohli is among the greatest batters the world has ever witnessed, such is the case with Bumrah in fast bowling. Kohli is a batter that barely any bowler wants to bowl to. On the other hand, Bumrah also maintains a similar stature. Even in their wildest of dreams, the batters would not want to face the Indian pacer, who is just a master of his art.

A battle between the two greats of the game — Kohli and Bumrah — is rarely seen. Indian Premier League is one such destination. To excite the cricket fans with the Kohli vs Bumrah battle, the official broadcaster in India for the side’s ongoing tour of Australia has shared a practice session in which Bumrah could be seen bowling to Kohli. The video, as expected, is going viral on social media.

Watch it here:

#

Just a practice session before the #AUSvIND #PinkBallTest, but the intensity says otherwise!

days to go for #AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test FRI, 6th DEC, 8 AM only on Star Sports 1! #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/VN9LKxjz5a

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 4, 2024

India is a team of superstars, and Australia is not focused on countering just ‘extraordinary’ players like Bumrah and Kohli, but the entire group as everyone is incredibly talented, spinner Nathan Lyon said on Wednesday.

In the buildup to the Border Gavasakar Trophy and post India’s emphatic 295-run with the series-opener in Perth, the chatter has revolved around specific Indian players including Kohli and Bumrah.

“I look at the Indian squad and see a group of superstars. Cricket, however, is a team game, winning requires the entire side to perform well. India boasts extraordinary players like Bumrah and others, but it’s not just about the superstars,” Lyon said ahead of the pink ball Test in Adelaide.

“The rest of the Indian squad is also incredibly talented. They’re an incredible cricket team. We’re not focusing solely on any one player, that’s for sure.

“We have nothing but respect for every Indian cricketer who takes the field on Friday. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to compete. We respect them, but we’re determined to play our brand of cricket and compete hard against a quality side. India is one of the best teams in the world,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)