“I was trying to put a bit of pressure” - Sam Konstas reacts after facing Jasprit Bumrah in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australia opener Sam Konstas opened up on his plan to tackle Jasprit Bumrah aggressively on Day 1 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test against India. The 19-year-old said his simple objective was to put the pressure back on Bumrah. He also acknowledged that the right-arm speedster stole some momentum from Australia towards the end of the day.

Despite Bumrah's exploits leading into this Test, Konstas audaciously took him on with reverse ramps to put him off his length. The right-hander was successful too as the champion pacer failed to dismiss him. Konstas scored a potentially match-defining half-century as the openers stitched an 89-run stand.

Speaking at the post-day presser, Konstas also acknowledged that he was fortunate to get away with some deliveries. He felt the contest with Bumrah brought the best out of him and said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo:

"I think I was just getting used to the wicket, first time facing him, getting used to his action. Obviously, 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's a legend of the game, obviously, so I was trying to put a bit of pressure on him, and it paid off today. But obviously, he took three wickets and he changed the momentum. But I think I'm always challenging myself, trying to bring the best out of myself, so just getting that contest with him and trying to take his lines away."

With Konstas out in the middle, tensions flared at MCG as Virat Kohli shoulder-barged him, which led to the latter receiving a 20% match fee fine.

"I feel like it's probably a safe shot for me" - Sam Konstas on his reverse ramp shot

Sam Konstas. (Image Credits: Getty)

The teenage prodigy suggested that there was a method to his madness, claiming to have practised the reverse ramp shot many times.

"I think it probably will look silly if I did get out. But I've worked pretty hard on that shot, and I feel like it's probably a safe shot for me really. But I think that's the beauty about being young and maybe a bit naive. I'm just trying to put pressure back on the bowler in the best way I think is, and it was good to get a few runs today," Konstas added during the press conference.

Australia reached 311/6 at Stumps after Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test.