The 19-year-old Sam Konstas made an electrifying start to his international cricket career. The world took cognizance of his gutsy batting abilities when he made a dream debut against India in front of a full-house MCG and bashed the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep to announce his arrival on the big stage.

But his blossoming career may soon encounter an unexpected halt as the Australian think tank is mulling over altering their opening combination ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series. 

See also: "Virat Kohli was very.." Sam Konstas praises Virat Kohli

Travis Head likely to open for Australia in the Sri Lanka Test series

As per reports from Yahoo Sports, the Australian management is reportedly eyeing to push Travis Head up the order and make him open the batting on subcontinent tracks. In his earlier tour to the subcontinent, Head performed poorly while batting in the middle order and recorded only 23 runs in three innings at a dismal average of 7.67.  The management believes that the 31-year-old is best suited to open the batting and dominate the new ball attack.

During the 2023 BGT Test tour to India, Head and Renshaw formed the opening combination when Warner got injured. In three innings, Head amassed 235 runs at an impressive average of 47 whilst marinating a commendable strike rate of 69. One of the most famous innings that he played on that tour at the top of the order was his counter-attacking 90* which helped Australia triumph in the Indore Test.

So what the future holds for young Konstas?

After a rollicking start to his international career, Konstas certainly comes across as a reliable opener instead of an out-of-sorts McSweeney who was axed mid-way through the series. But a drastic change in conditions in Sri Lanka will prompt the management to reconsider their opening combination before the start of the tour. 

Besides, Usman Khawaja is also likely to play a key role in helping Konstas adapt during the transition process. The Pakistani-born opener's place is highly valued in the side and his prior experience in subcontinent conditions will surely help the young Konstas shape his cricketer career a long way.

The young 19-year-old Sam Konstas announced his arrival in international cricket with a blazing fifty in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne which shook the Indian bowling attack to its core. This Test will also be famously remembered for the in-famous shoulder barge incident that took place between Konstas and Kohli. 

In a show of defiance, the Indian batting legend altered his course while walking to the other end and deliberately bumped his shoulder with Konstas in the heat of the moment. Soon after, the incident drew widespread condemnation from the Australian supporters and Kohli was subsequently reprimanded by the match referee and fined 20% of his match fee along with one demerit point to his name.

See also: Watch: Kohli registers major milestone in BGT; Smashing six hits guard

Konstas visualises Kohli as his "idol"

Following the conclusion of the fourth Test, both Konstas and Kohli buried the hatchet. During his conversation with CODE Sports, the 19-year-old admitted that he sees Kohli as an idol and looks up to him as a source of inspiration. In return, Kohli also wished him well for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour which is scheduled to start later this month.

"Virat Kohli was very down to earth. A lovely person and I had a little chat after the game, telling him that I idolize him - wishing me all the best saying hopefully I go well on the tour of Sri Lanka he said if I’m in."

Konstas further adds that he is not the only one who is a big fan of Kohli. Being a living legend of the game, his entire family has been idolizing Kohli from a very young age. 

“My whole family loves Virat. I’ve idolized him from a young age and he’s a legend of the game.”   

Konstas's next assignment in international cricket

As the dust settles on the high-octane BGT Test series, Konstas will now participate in a few BBL games and play for Sydney Thunder under the leadership of David Warner before heading to the UAE for preparatory camp work. The 19-year-old justified his selection over an out-of-form McSweeney in that series and it is highly probable that we could see him feature in his first international assignment in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka from January 29 onwards.

Indian stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah had a verbal fight with the young Australian opener Sam Konstas in the final over of the first day of the Sydney Test. This new battle isn't going to end soon.

The thrilling Australia vs India five-match Test series, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has entered its final period. As Australia are leading the series by 2-1, it is a must-win game for India to save this Test series as well as to stay in contention to reach the ICC World Test Championship Final for the third straight time.

India were all out for 185 runs

Indian stand-in Test captain Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first in the tough overcast condition. The visiting batters once again failed to impress as they were all out for only 185 runs. Apart from Rishabh Pant, who scored the highest runs in the innings with 40 off 98 balls, Shubman Gill (20), Ravindra Jadeja (26), and the skipper Bumrah (22) reached the 20-run mark in the innings.

Watch: Rishabh Pant takes hit on body to save Indian team in Sydney Test

Last over drama in a tricky period

Australia batted three overs of the day, which is always known as a tricky period for any batting side. The hosts had to bat for about 15 minutes of the day as Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas started the innings. While Indian cricketers were busy delivering more balls in the tricky period, Khawaja's finger injury was delaying their plan. The left-handed batter took a little more time before the fifth ball of the third over of the innings, which ensured that the hosts wouldn't have to play another over of the day.

The delay frustrated the Indian fast bowler Bumrah. Moreover, young Konstas got involved and triggered a verbal fight with the Indian stand-in captain. The bowling end umpire Sharfuddoula intervened in the situation quickly. 

While Bumrah delivered the final ball of the day, Khawaja had an outside edge that traveled to the second slip and KL Rahul took a sharp catch to dismiss the Aussie opener. After that dismissal, while the home openers were returning to the pavilion, most of the Indian fielders charged Konstas with the celebration, while Bumrah also did it instead of celebrating the wicket. Australia ended the opening day of the Sydney Test at 9/1. Khawaja lost his wicket for only two runs.

A heated argument between Sam Konstas and Jasprit Bumrah. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/0exzEvDV6s

— 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐥 (@tomuchfun111) January 3, 2025

Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG!

How's that for a finish to Day One 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

The second day of the Test match is going to be crucial for both teams regarding the Test series status. 

Beau Webster Set to Step in for Mitchell Marsh in the 5th Test Against India

Starting January 3, 2025, the Sydney Cricket Ground is going to be extremely busy because Australia is getting ready to face off against India in the fifth and vitally key test. The team is bringing in a new man, Beau Webster, for his first test game ever, and he's taking over for Mitchell Marsh. This change is very big news.

Since Australia is ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with a 2-1 lead, they're excited and ready to snatch their first series win in India in more than ten years.

“Beau’s story is a great one of resilience… I think he’ll have the backing of an entire state over the next five days”

Terrific to chat with some of those closest to Beau Webster ahead of his Test debut tomorrow.@TheMercurySport

STORY ➡️ https://t.co/l0QcRp9yPT pic.twitter.com/yflVqciAal

— Ryan Rosendale (@RosendaleRyan) January 2, 2025

Why Mitchell Marsh Is Out

The selectors saw that Mitchell Marsh wasn't doing too well in the series, only scoring 73 runs and not doing much with his bowling. They think this is a good opportunity for Beau Webster to step in and display his abilities at the international level.

Pat Cummins, our captain, said Mitch Marsh is still vitally important for the team, especially when we are discussing the short games but he also mentioned that adding Webster to the team will make things better. And he made sure everyone knew this is not farewell for Marsh in test cricket at all.

ALSO READ:Pat Cummins Reveals Australia’s Strategy to Tackle Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney Test

Spotlight on Beau Webster

Beau Jacob Webster has been making waves in domestic cricket, which earned him this debut. His versatility is a huge asset, as he bats right-handed and can bowl both off-spin and medium pace.

Domestic Career Highlights

Webster achieved it in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season, making him the second individual ever to hit more than 900 runs and take 30 wickets in just one season. Playing for Tasmania in the local games, he's also been doing really good for the Melbourne Stars in the Bash league.

First-Class Career Stats

Matches: 93

Runs Scored: 5,297

Batting Average: 37.83

Centuries/Half-Centuries: 12/24

Wickets Taken: 148

Bowling Average: 37.39

Best Bowling Figures: 6/100

Webster's all-around skills and impressive form make him a perfect fit for this high-pressure match against India.

Australia's Squad for the 5th Test

Most of the squad remains unchanged, with Webster being the only newcomer. The confirmed playing XI is:

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

A Memorable New Year's Celebration: Indian and Australian Cricket Teams Attend Prime Minister's Party

As the cricketing world gears up for the final game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Friday, the Indian and Australian teams took a brief respite from the action to attend a grand New Year's party hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Held at the picturesque Kirribilli House in Sydney on Wednesday, the celebration lasted for about 90 minutes, blending cricket, camaraderie, and humor.

At the event, Albanese showed up with his fiancée Jodie Haydon and had some fun by telling funny stories. He really couldn't help making jokes about Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowler who's been a strikingly large problem for the Aussie hitters, getting 30 wickets already in the series. Albanese is known to have a pretty sharp sense of humor, and he made sure to share a cheerful moment with the players while he was there.

The crowd thought it was very amusing when the Prime Minister joked that Bumrah was so proficient at cricket, that they may potentially have to make him bowl with his left hand, or only let him take one step before he threw. Everyone really enjoyed the enjoyable event the prime minister brought.

ALSO READ:Ex-India Coach Shastri Pushes for Two-Tier Test Format After MCG Classic

Sam Konstas' Big Moment

At the party, Sam Konstas had a great tim

The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket. pic.twitter.com/oqVDOOr5Bm

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

e when he was able to snap a photo with Virat Kohli, his cricket idol. Everyone knows about Konstas lately because he's been performing well in Australian cricket, especially after scoring a century in the Prime Minister's XI game, and another marvelous 60 runs at the MCG. This was very important for him since there was a nervous moment between him and the legendary Kohli before.

Konstas is a bright light that everyone at the party was noticing.

During the series, there was an incident on the field between them, and because of it, Kohli got his match fee cut by 20% and also obtained a demerit point but it looks like all their hard feelings were gone at the party. Konstas' parents were even able to have a photo taken with Bumrah, which was wonderful, owing to it showed everyone was just there to enjoy themselves and celebrate the event.

Words of Wisdom from Team Leaders

Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, took over for Rohit Sharma and spoke to everyone. First thing, he tipped his hat to Australia for playing so well and making things tough. Even though he didn't say much about how the series might end up, he was focused on India trying very hard to make sure the last test is really fun. Gambhir knows it's not easy playing in Australia, and he said as much.

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, is extremely excited after the Melbourne Test match. Cummins thinks it was probably the most intense and dramatic game he's ever played, taking an entire five days full of struggle. Since Australia is leading the series 2-1, Cummins is eager to win the last match and keep the series trophy.

Jasprit Bumrah showed why he is one of the best bowlers in the world when he dismissed young Australian batter Sam Konstas early in the second innings of the fourth Test in Melbourne. Konstas, who dominated India in the first innings with a fearless 61 off 65 balls, couldn’t repeat his performance.

Opening with Usman Khawaja, Konstas struggled against Bumrah and his bowling partner Akash Deep. Bumrah's sharp in-cutter on the third ball of the seventh over ended Konstas’s innings. The ball, bowled at 139.7 km/h, moved in sharply from a good length, sneaked through the gap between Konstas’s bat and pad, and clipped the top of the off-stump. Bumrah celebrated the wicket by encouraging the crowd to cheer, mimicking Konstas's actions from Day 3 when the young batter rallied the crowd after dismissing Virat Kohli.

Top delivery, top celebration! 🤌

Thank you Jassi Bhai for this absolute cinema! 😁#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 4 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/z4JbYOWy0j

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 29, 2024

The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, mostly supporting Australia, reacted with boos to Bumrah’s celebration. This moment showed the heated rivalry between the teams. Commentator Sunil Gavaskar humorously noted, “Fast bowlers have long memories,” pointing out Bumrah's reply to Konstas's earlier antics.

Read Also:Watch Pat Cummins Reject 3rd Umpire’s Decision; Gilchrist and Shastri React

Social Media Takes the Fun Route

Social media also reacted quickly, with fans praising Bumrah for his brilliant delivery and cheeky celebration. Many remembered how Konstas had mocked Bumrah earlier in the match. In the first innings, Konstas had confidently played aggressive shots, including a ramp six against Bumrah. That moment put pressure on the Indian bowler, but Bumrah’s dismissal of Konstas in the second innings proved his class and ability to bounce back.

Fans on Twitter joked about Bumrah's payback. Some called it a perfect example of how cricket often has “second chances,” while others enjoyed the drama between the two players. Memes, jokes, and creative edits flooded the platforms, making this exchange one of the highlights of the match.

pic.twitter.com/SgbOlxFU3y

— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) December 29, 2024

in that moment, bumrah just proved why is he the best in the world not that he needed to and the way he celebrated tells you the emotion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FIIyDjWkms

— p 💌 (@ssnoozefest) December 29, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah: The silent assassin with a deadly yorker.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/liIi2mByuz

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) December 29, 2024

Hey Sam Konstas, MCG crowd, West Australia and your illegitimate kids in Pakistan, Bangladesh and few in India,

Jasprit Bumrah reminded you that: pic.twitter.com/LdNN90qDNY

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 29, 2024

What’s the Story Behind the Celebration?

Bumrah’s celebration wasn’t just about taking the wicket; it was a direct response to Konstas’s earlier antics. On Day 3, after dismissing Virat Kohli, Konstas had rallied the crowd with a pumped-up gesture, mocking Bumrah and energizing the Australian fans.

Bumrah’s reply in the second innings, with the same gesture, showed that he doesn’t forget such moments easily. His celebration was not only a statement of dominance but also a reminder of the emotional highs and lows that cricket brings.

The Test match saw several highlights, including Nitish Kumar Reddy’s incredible century. Reddy, batting at number eight, scored 114 runs, helping India reach 369 in their first innings. His knock received a standing ovation from the crowd and praise from cricket legends.

As the Test continues, the India-Australia rivalry remains as intense as ever. While Konstas had his moment in the spotlight, Bumrah’s performance reminded everyone why he’s such a feared bowler.

Visitors India earned a good start in the third innings of the crucial Melbourne Test as the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the Test debutant Sam Konstas and mimicked the young debutant’s celebration.

Australia earned a 105-run lead at the end of the first innings battle. In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 474 runs, India were all out for 369 runs as Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 114 runs. 

Also Watch: Pat Cummins Reject 3rd Umpire’s Decision; Gilchrist and Shastri React

Jasprit Bumrah bowled Sam Konstas

Australian opener Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja started their second innings in the Melbourne Test. Test debutant Konstas, who scored 60 off 65 balls in his first innings, was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for only eight runs in the third innings of the match.

It was a good bowling performance from Bumrah as his good-length angling in delivery went through the gap between bat and pad to disturb the middle stump. India picked up that first wicket in the seventh over while the hosts just scored 20 runs. 

After dismissing Konstas, who strongly challenged the Indian pacer with the bat in the first innings of the Test match, Bumrah imitated the youngster’s celebration, which Konstas did during India’s first innings of the Test match. 

Never mess with Virat Kohli and Indians pic.twitter.com/n2RXItIq2v

— ` (@chixxsays) December 29, 2024

In the first innings of the Melbourne Test, Konstas scored 34 runs off 33 balls against Bumrah, where the young right-handed batter hit four fours and two sixes. However, in the third innings of the match, the 19-year-old opening batter scored only one run in eight balls against Bumrah and lost his wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah is well ahead of others in the series

It was Bumrah’s fifth wicket of the match, as he picked up four wickets in the first innings of the Melbourne Test. It was also Bumrah’s 26th wicket of the Test series, as he is well ahead of any other bowlers of this series, while the second most wicket-taker of the series is Australian captain Pat Cummins with 17 wickets. 

The Australian media's portrayal of Virat Kohli has recently shifted from admiration to criticism, particularly following his on-field altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. This incident has led to a series of critical articles and headlines targeting Kohli's behavior

The West Australian newspaper made waves during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 with a controversial back-page headline targeting Virat Kohli. Titled "Clown Kohli", the headline featured an edited image of Kohli with a clown nose, mocking the Indian star cricketer.

The back page of tomorrow’s The West Australian. 🤡🤡🤡@westaustralian @TheWestSport pic.twitter.com/3BaiB3SOQi

— Jakeb Waddell (@JakebWaddell) December 26, 2024

On Day 1 of the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, Kohli had a tense moment with 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas. This exchange drew criticism from several former players, who felt his actions on the field were out of line. Following the incident, the back page of The West Australian newspaper has gone viral, featuring a mocking headline referring to Kohli as 'Clown Kohli' alongside a photo of him with a clown nose. They also claimed Kohli 'escaped' a ban that could have sidelined him for the final Test of the series.

ALSO READ:Sam Konstas to Miss IPL 2025 After Impressive Debut

So what happened between Kohli and Konstas?

During the opening day of the fourth Test in Melbourne, the two players collided while moving across the pitch after the 10th over. It looked as if Kohli may have deliberately changed his path to bump into Konstas, leading to heavy criticism from former cricketers who deemed it unnecessary. While it’s unclear if this was intentional, the incident has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans split on what to make of the shoulder bump between Kohli and Konstas in this series.

#AUSvIND #konstas & #Kohli collide into each other on the pitch. Look like, Kohli went for it deliberatelypic.twitter.com/6QAHUDZfWH

— Umair Javed (@umairjaved1591) December 26, 2024

Early Admiration and Praise

In the early stages of his career, Virat Kohli’s aggressive batting style and competitive spirit drew admiration from Australian cricket commentators and journalists. His fearless approach and ability to thrive under pressure were seen as qualities synonymous with Australia’s own cricketing ethos.

For example, during a memorable series in Mohali, Kohli delivered a thrilling performance that left even the Australian commentators in awe, despite the fact that it posed a significant challenge to their team. His innings were often described as a masterclass in controlled aggression, showcasing his knack for seizing the moment in high-stakes encounters.

This admiration laid the foundation for Kohli’s reputation as a cricketer who could match Australia’s intensity and mindset, earning respect from both fans and critics alike.

Virat Kohli received a welcome befitting a king from the Australian media—but why only him? And will this be his final tour of Australia? Find out in today's #Aakashvani 👇 https://t.co/oWNltEPayM pic.twitter.com/eJ8VmBa0tw

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 15, 2024

The much-awaited Australia vs India Boxing Day Test has started in Melbourne, and the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli was involved in a shoulder-bump with Australian Test debutant opener Sam Konstas during the first hour of the Test match. 

The 19-year-old Sam Konstas has made an impressive debut in international cricket as the right-handed opening batter scored 60 runs off 65 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes. 

Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas had heated moment

During the first hour of the Melbourne Test, Virat Kohli had a shoulder-bump with Konstas. At the end of the ninth over, while the fielders were moving, Kohli had a shoulder-bump with the young Aussie opener, who was going to his senior opening partner Usman Khawaja. There was a heated argument between Konstas and Kohli, where the Indian star gave a death stare. Umpires and Khawaja stepped in and worked to calm down the heated situation. 

Legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting was unimpressed with Kohli’s action in that incident. As a commentator, he said, "Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."

"Have a look where Virat walks. Virat's walked one whole pitch over to his right and instigated that confrontation. No doubt in my mind whatsoever."

- Ricky Ponting #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/zm4rjG4X9A

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2024

See Also: Sameer Rizvi slams second one-day double-century four days later

Observing that incident, Kohli can be penalised for his action. 

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has already experienced one heated moment between Travis Head and Mohammed Siraj during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. While Siraj was fined and handed one demerit point, Head was also handed one demerit point. 

Konstas smashed Jasprit Bumrah in the next over

In the very next over, Konstas scored 18 runs against the Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah with the help of two fours and one six. 

Debutant Konstas completed his half-century in his first Test innings in just 52 balls. After scoring 60 off 65 balls and setting up an 89-run partnership for the first wicket with Usman Khawaja, the Indian left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja took his wicket after trapping him for a lbw.