Konstas had no fear of facing Bumrah due to being 'young and a bit naive'

Sam Konstas noted his youth and naivety as the reasons he had no fear in his Australia Test debut, even against Jasprit Bumrah's experience.

The 19-year-old plundered 60 runs off 65 balls in a spectacular showing as one of Australia's openers on Boxing Day, helping lead the hosts to 311-6 on day one of the fourth Test against India.

His knock included six fours and two sixes, including the first six off Bumrah in the longest format since Cameron Green in 2021 after he reverse-scooped the ball to the boundary.

Konstas was eventually trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja and left to a standing ovation from the record-breaking crowd of over 87,000 in Melbourne, and he said he had no fear about his task on Thursday.

"I think it [the reverse scoop] will look silly if I did get out," Konstas said. "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.

"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.

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"He's [Bumrah] a legend of the game, 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."

There was more drama on his debut though, as Konstas was involved in a heated confrontation with Virat Kohli, clashing shoulder after the former India captain appeared to change direction to make the contact.

Kohli has since been fined 20% of his match fee and incurred one demerit point but is free to play in the final Test in Sydney next month.

"I was just doing my gloves, and I think he accidentally bumped me," Konstas said when asked about the coming together. "But I think that's just cricket, just the tension.

"I was just trying to get in the contest and whoever I was facing, just trying to bring the best version of myself. Obviously, it got heated at times, which was good for me. Just feel like that brings the best out of me."

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1 after three Tests.