Last 5 Australian batters to smash a 50 on Test debut against India ft. Sam Konstas

In the illustrious history of Test cricket, making a memorable debut is a dream for every player, and doing so against the formidable Indian team makes it even more remarkable. This was the case for 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who captivated the Melbourne crowd on Boxing Day during the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy.

The young right-handed batter showcased his bold approach by attempting a reverse scoop against Jasprit Bumrah in the third over of the innings, though he couldn’t connect. However, in the seventh over, he found his rhythm, smashing India’s pace spearhead for two boundaries and a six.

Konstas brought up his fifty off just 52 balls, becoming the second-youngest Australian to reach this milestone. He finished with 60 off 65 balls, including six fours and two sixes. As the debutant impressed on his first Test appearance, we take a look at the last five Australian batters to score a fifty on debut against India.

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#5 Michael Clarke

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke made his Test debut in the opening game of the four-match series against India in Bengaluru in 2004. Australia won the toss and chose to bat. Clarke made an immediate impact with the bat, scoring a brilliant century on his debut. He made 151 off 248 balls, including 18 boundaries and four sixes.

Meanwhile, Adam Gilchrist also contributed with a century, scoring 104, as Australia posted a total of 474 in their first innings.

In response, India were dismissed for just 246. Australia then added 228 more runs to their total, with Clarke contributing 17, setting India a challenging target of 457. India struggled again in their second innings, bowled out for 239, as Australia won the match by 217 runs.

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#4 Ed Cowan

Ed Cowan made his Test debut in the Boxing Day match against India in Melbourne in 2011. After opting to bat, the hosts posted 333 in their first innings, with Cowan impressing on debut, scoring 68, while Ricky Ponting contributed 62.

In reply, fifties from Virender Sehwag (67) and Rahul Dravid (68) helped India reach 282. Cowan was dismissed cheaply for eight in the second innings, while Michael Hussey top-scored with 89 as Australia made 240, setting a target of 292.

India's batting line-up struggled and were bowled out for 169, falling short by 122 runs.

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#3 Moises Henriques

The first Test of the 2013 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Chennai saw Moises Henriques make his debut. Australia batted first and posted 380 runs, with captain Michael Clarke leading the charge with 130 runs. Henriques, on debut, contributed 68 runs off 132 balls, including five boundaries.

In response, Virat Kohli scored 107, and captain MS Dhoni played a remarkable knock of 224 runs as India accumulated 572 runs in their first innings. Australia were dismissed for 241 in their second innings, with Henriques top-scoring with an unbeaten 81. Chasing a modest target of 50, India sealed an eight-wicket victory.

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#2 Will Pucovski

In the third game of the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, Will Pucovski made his Test debut. Australia batted first and scored 338, with Pucovski contributing 62 runs off 110 balls. Steve Smith was the top scorer with 131 runs. India responded with 244 runs.

Australia declared their second innings at 312/6, setting a target of 407 runs. Pucovski managed just 10 runs in the second innings. India mounted a strong chase in the fourth innings, finishing at 334/5, and the match ended in a draw.

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#1 Sam Konstas

The latest addition to the list is Sam Konstas, who impressed on Day 1 of the fourth Test of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne. The 19-year-old scored 60 off 65 balls, becoming the second-youngest Australian to score a fifty in Test cricket. Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Steven Smith (68*) also made half-centuries as Australia finished Day 1 at 311/6.