Sam Konstas makes debut to remember as Australia edge India on day one

Teenage debutant hit a superb half-century as Australia made 311 for six

Sam Konstas of Australia looks dejected after being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja of India during day one of the fourth test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on St Stephen's Day. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Sam Konstas of Australia looks dejected after being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja of India during day one of the fourth test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on St Stephen's Day. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Teenage debutant Sam Konstas hit a superb half-century as Australia made 311 for six on day one of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Opening the batting after the hosts won the toss, the 19-year-old became the youngest player to make a Test bow for the team since current captain Pat Cummins did so aged 18 in 2011.

And he rose to the occasion, getting to 50 off just 52 balls, the third fastest debut half-century for the side after record holder Adam Gilchrist and Ashton Agar.

Konstas departed having made 60 off 65, being ousted lbw by Ravindra Jedeja.

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The youngster’s time at the crease included an incident between him and India star Virat Kohli after the end of the 10th over, with the pair walking into each other and bumping shoulders before a tense-looking exchange of words.

Konstas told Australia’s Channel 7: “I think the emotions got to both of us. I didn’t quite realise, I was doing my gloves, then a little shoulder charge, but it happens in cricket.”

The ICC later announced Kohli had been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and given one demerit point for his role in the incident.

The action also saw half-centuries for Usman Khawaja (60), Marnus Labuschagne (72) and Steve Smith, who was on 68 not out alongside Cummins (eight) at stumps. Jasprit Bumrah had taken three for 75 for India.

The five-Test series is level at 1-1.