Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey mentioned on Wednesday that he was mesmerised by the best way younger opener Sam Konstas scored an audacious half-century within the Boxing Day Take a look at towards India however insisted that it was unlikely to change into a “blueprint” for future matches.
Making his debut in entrance of a close to sell-out crowd on the MCG on December 26, 19-year-old Konstas didn’t present any nerves throughout his scintillating 60 off 65 balls, which was studded with two sixes off Jasprit Bumrah.
“I used to be a spectator that first session,” Carey informed reporters forward of the fifth Take a look at towards India starting on the SCG on Friday.
“I in all probability had the feelings of the 90,000 (spectators) that had been there. At occasions I couldn’t watch it, at occasions I used to be cheering,” mentioned Carey.
Konstas, who was handed the Take a look at cap after Nathan McSweeney’s unimpressive efficiency within the first three video games, introduced an ultra-aggressive strategy to Australia’s batting however Carey mentioned he didn’t count on the teenage opener to go all weapons blazing in each match he performs.
“Simply the power he introduced, it was one thing totally different. Most likely wasn’t anticipating that quantity of distinction, however he performed a mode of cricket that was in all probability new to India as properly.
“We’ll wait and see how he performs out right here (SCG). I don’t assume that’s his blueprint each Take a look at match, however to have the ability to throw a number of punches early and get a little bit of momentum for us, the opening partnership was in all probability simply missing that depth,” he added.
He mentioned that whereas the opening pair within the first three Checks, McSweeney and Usman Khawaja, had achieved a good job in “powerful conditions”, Konstas introduced one thing extra to the desk.
“I assumed Nathan and Usman bought us via powerful conditions as properly by dealing with a number of balls. Sam was in a position to rating a little bit bit, so hopefully one other alternative in entrance of his residence followers.”
Carey additionally rejected speak of any animosity between Konstas and Virat Kohli after their transient bodily altercation on the opening day of the Take a look at, which led to the Indian stalwart coping a 20 per cent superb on his match payment.
Each gamers shortly rotated to look at one another and interact in a heated change of phrases earlier than Khawaja stepped in to separate them. The on-field umpires additionally had a phrase with the 2.
“Not that I’m conscious of… I believe I noticed a photograph of them shaking arms and a little bit faucet on the again. It’s Take a look at cricket. I’m not 100 per cent certain, however Sam didn’t take it to coronary heart,” mentioned Carey.