MELBOURNE: It was Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, Pat Cummins had won the toss, Australia were going to bat and debutant Konstas had reached the middle before everyone else.
Some dismissed that as youthful enthusiasm, a kid trying to calm the nerves. And that is what it felt like for the first over of the match as Jasprit Bumrah beat him four times in six balls. The right-hander struggled to get bat on ball. There were a few knowing glances thrown about as if to say, 'this is Bumrah, he'll school you'.
Then, in the next over from Bumrah, he finally got off the mark with a couple off the second ball. Off the fifth ball, he went for a reverse ramp; a reverse ramp off a bowler who had been pretty much untouchable all series. But Konstas clearly didn't care about appearances. He was brought in to challenge the pacer differently and he was going to do that.
One of the first shots Konstas had pulled off in the nets at the MCG soon after his press conference was a reverse ramp off Marnus Labuschagne chucking with a sidearm. And his reaction right after he'd pulled off the shot? "Bowled Bumrah." So, this wasn't a youngster getting desperate. This was him following his plan to a 'T'.
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Noida dergisinin December 27, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times Noida dergisinin December 27, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda spotted; are they going to ring in the New Year's together?
Actors Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda started their careers together in the industry with Zoya Akhtar's The Archies (2023).
Making good films, not sequels, is more important: Imtiaz
This year, franchise films like Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Pushpa 2: The Rule emerged as some of the biggest box-office successes.
Hania Aamir alleges assault by event organisers in the US
Pakistani actor Hania Aamir has accused the organisers of a meet-and-greet event in Dallas (US) of verbal assault.
Tough beginning for world No. 1 Carlsen; Raunak stuns Firouzja
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen had a torrid start to the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, losing in one round and escaping with draws in two others to end Day 1 of the rapid event at 2.5/5 in New York.
Jayasuriya aims to make SL cricket happening again
It's been only two months since Sanath Jayasuriya took over as full-time head coach of Sri Lanka's men's cricket team.
Nagal Continues To Stay Away From Davis Cup
India's singles No. 1 Sumit Nagal continues to remain absent from national duty as his name was missing from the team's upcoming Davis Cup World Group I play-off tie against Togo, to be held in New Delhi in February.
Back in hockey, Ward hopes to shine in HIL
Sam Ward can easily be spotted on a hockey turf, wading past defenders as a skater would glide on ice, but what really sets the 33-year-old apart is his mask.
A Run Out Spoils India's Fightback Script at MCG
Jaiswal and Kohli looked settled for a long haul when a run out and two quick wickets took India from 153/2 to 159/5
You need a lot of luck on these wickets to get big runs, the ones we're playing at the moment. And last week I had my share
You are one of the best batters on the planet and then, the centuries dry up. That's how fickle form can sometimes be.
Rohit's Insipid Captaincy Lets Australia Take Control
It was a slow trudge out, with head bowed, for India's captain Rohit Sharma.
