Sam Konstas was a member of Australia's ICC U19 Men's World Cup 2024 winning squad. The right-handed opener was playing for Sydney Thunder in the 14th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) in the lead-up to the boxing day Test at the MCG.

Konstas, who took on Bumrah's pace attack aggressively, struck the Indian pacer for two sixes in the opening hours of the match, despite struggling initially. Bumrah, speaking to the host broadcaster on Day 3, shared his experience facing the debutant, acknowledging that his style was not unfamiliar to him due to his extensive T20 career.

Opener Sam Konstas made a memorable Test debut, scoring an impressive 65-ball 60 against India on the first day of the Melbourne Test. Konstas aggressively took on bowler Jasprit Bumrah, hitting him for 18 runs in one over.