New Delhi: Debutant opener Sam Konstas became the second youngest cricketer to score a Test half century for Australia in the opening day of the Boxing Day game against India in Melbourne on Thursday.

The right hander cracked a 52-ball half century, scooping and reversing scooping his way to a landmark feat on his debut innings.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Konstas was dismissed for 60 off 65 deliveries after hitting six boundaries and two sixes.

Konstas scored his half century aged 19 years and 85 days, second only to Ian Craig, who was 17 years and 240 days when he hit a fifty against South Africa in Melbourne in 1953.

The 19-year-old played five of the 23 scoops and reverse scoops in the first 10 overs of a Test since records are available. He also became only the second batter to hit Bumrah for two sixes in an innings in Tests after Jos Buttler at the Oval in 2018.

Thr right hander was included in the playing XI in place of Nathan McSweeney, who failed to fire in the first three matches of the Border-Gavaskar series,

McSeeney was dismissed multiple times by Jasprit Bumrah and before his debut, Konstas spoke about the prospect of facing India’s pace spearhead.

“I do (have a plan). I’m not going to say what it is, but just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers. I think it’s just another day for me, obviously it’s a bit more special, I’ve got my parents coming. Pretty simple, just back myself and see ball, hit ball really,” he had said prior to the start of the Boxing Day Test.

Youngest to score a half-century for Australia in Tests

17y 240d Ian Craig vs SA Melbourne 1953
19y 85d Sam Konstas vs Ind Melbourne 2024
19y 121d Neil Harvey vs Ind Melbourne 1948
19y 150d Archie Jackson vs Eng Adelaide 1929