‘Ridiculous’ India selection gamble that could have been avoided

Konstas’ epic assault stuns Boxing Day crowd after fiery Kohli clash — LIVE

The first two overs from Konstas and Usman Khawaja were the most plays and misses in a Test since records begain in 2006.

Undeterred, Konstas tried three more ramps against Bumrah and they went four, six and four in stunning scenes at the MCG.

“The staring at the bowler… he looks up for the challenge, he doesn’t look at all shy or out of place, he’s looking the bowler in the eye and he’s got that little bit of arrogance about him and confidence, which you need at this level when you’re so young,” Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket seconds before the first ramp attempt.

“We were talking about it pre-game if he would play that shot and I said he might once he gets a few runs on the board, but not in the third over of your first Test match. I’m glad it bounced over the stumps.

“He’s just sending a signal that ‘I’m not intimidated and I’m going to play my way, I don’t care if I’m playing a Test match against the best bowler in the world, I’m going to do what I’m going to do’.”

Adam Gilchrist responded: “Khawaja is twice the age of his batting partner and just gave him a wry smile.”

On the first ball of the seventh over, Konstas was third time lucky against Bumrah and connected his ramp for a one-bounce four.

“Finally gets what he gets what he so richly strived for… welcome to the big stage,” Gilchrist said.

The very next ball and Konstas connected with another ramp, this time for six.

“Oh and again and this one has gone all the way! Can you believe what you’re seeing?!” Gilchrist said.

The teenager finished the over with another ramp four and then in the ninth over picked a Bumrah slower ball and sent it over the fence.

Bumrah hadn’t been hit for six in 25 Tests over the past four years before Konstas did it twice in 20 minutes as Kohli’s laughter stopped.

The Indian veteran started sledging Konstas and then dropped a shoulder into him in ugly scenes in between overs.

“To be honest, I don’t know what that achieves… they’ve resolved that quickly enough. But I don’t think it was necessary,” Harsha Bhogle said on Fox Cricket.

Australian women’s captain Alyssa Healy added: “It’s a tricky one. Probably more disappointing than anything else that your experienced player, one of your best players in the country, as well is quite visibly looking at the wider picture and made a beeline for the youngest player in the opposition. It doesn’t really set the greatest tone for your side. But if that’s one way the Indian team wants to approach it, so be it. But it didn’t rattle him one bit.”

While Kohli copped plenty of heat for the collision, he could not dampen the mood. Reaction came thick and fast after Konstas’ bravado, which saw him reach a near run-a-ball half-century.

Konstas was interviewed on Fox Cricket at the drinks break.

“It’s quite surreal, look at the turnout, I’m just trying to play with some freedom and back myself and hopefully I can get a few more,” he said.

The opener was asked if his ramps against Bumrah were premeditated and if things were getting heated in between balls.

“(Nah) just when the ball was coming down. I’ll look to keep targeting him and hopefully he might come back on but we’ll see what happens,” he said.

“Whatever (happens) on the field stays on the field, but I love competing and it doesn’t get any better for a debut at this packed stadium.”

He was out for 60 off 65 balls, caught LBW by Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over.

But as he left the ground the crowd was in no doubt that they had witnessed something special.