melbourneThe ground on which the first Test match was played, the ground on which many histories were made and broken, the ground on which many great cricketers left their mark, the ground on which there are stands named after great players, the same ground also witnessed that first hour of Test cricket. Had the great Don Bradman seen him, perhaps he too would have bitten his teeth.
Everyone was surprised to see the kind of batting that took place in the first hour of the first day of the Boxing Day Test.. Even a bowler like Bumrah was not able to understand what length to bowl because of the kind of shots the Australian opener was hitting on the field. What came was beyond imagination.
Constance’s workmanship
When the 19 year old young opener came to the crease, he kept searching for the ball for the first 5 overs. Then something happened that shook the entire Melbourne Cricket Ground. The scoop shot on Bumrah and the way he played shots after Siraj stepped out surprised everyone. It felt like someone was watching a T20 match in a white jersey. Be it off side or leg side, Constas scored runs against Bumrah and Siraj with scoop shots. Constas’ V shape was seen behind the wicket which pushed the Indian team on the back foot. After the bowling upset, Constas also played many excellent shots. On a big ground like Melbourne, Constas hit a six and also played many attractive pull shots and completed his first half-century.
Australia played a trick, created panic in Team India
Putting Sam Constas straight into the Test squad after just 8 first class matches was a big move which was successful. Constas, who was known for his fearless batting, was sent by the Australian team management with a license to spoil Bumrah’s line length and this young batsman destroyed the Indian bowling. All the Indian players were worried inside the field because Constas had ruined all their plans. Tension was clearly visible in the atmosphere when Siraj was seen clashing with Constas and sometimes Kohli. The argument between Kohli and Constas could have escalated further, but the umpire came and intervened. One thing was clear that Australia had done the right thing by including Sam Constas in the team. 78 runs in the first 15 overs was proof of what a difference Constas had made to the game and what was more, his shots made the Indian bowling think.
Tags: Border Gavaskar Trophy, Boxing Day Test, IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test, India vs Australia Melbourne Test, Rohit Sharma
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 26, 2024, 06:45 IST