"Got under his skin a bit' - Marnus Labuschagne makes big statement on Sam Konstas and Indian player during BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australia's No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne believes Sam Konstas had got under Jasprit Bumrah's skin from his first-day exploits in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test against India in Melbourne. However, Labuschagne expects Konstas to be more switched on during his next showdown with Bumrah.

The 19-year-old took on Bumrah on Day 1 in Melbourne with some unorthodox shots on his way to a 65-ball 60. With Konstas hyping up the crowd during India's innings, the right-arm speedster did the same after dismissing the right-hander cheaply on Day 4.

Speaking after Day 4, here's what the 30-year-old said, as quoted by Fox Cricket:

"I'm pretty sure the young guy got under his skin a bit. I certainly get angry when I 'wang' them (throw downs at training) and get reverse-lapped, let alone bowl it. I'd say that had a fair bit to do with it. So (I’m sure) he’ll love getting in the contest and he’ll love that Bumrah (has) revved it up, and I’m sure he’ll be ready to go for the next innings."

Konstas was also involved in a heated moment with Virat Kohli on Day 1 when the latter made a shoulder contact with the New South Welshman. Kohli eventually copped a 20% fine of his match fees and one demerit point.

"It was hard work in that first innings, especially the first 40 to 50 overs" - Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus Labuschagne (Image Credits: Getty)

When asked about the condition of the pitch heading into Day 5, Labuschagne maintained that variable bounce and plenty of seam movement have been decisive factors. The South Africa-born cricketer added:

"I can’t probably predict tomorrow, but I can just sort of talk about today. I think from the first innings, there was seam movement (and) obviously there was a lot there. It was hard work in that first innings, especially the first 40 to 50 overs.

"But as the game’s gone on, the bounce has gotten (lower) and more inconsistent, so we’re just getting more balls hitting the stumps, more balls are skidding through, and we’re getting that coming through on the data.

"That’s probably the major difference. The seam movement is probably the same, but just the amount of bounce is significantly lower."

Aside from Labuschagne's 70, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have chipped in with 41 runs each to propel Australia's lead to 333, with one wicket still left.