India vs Australia: Sam Konstas made an indelible mark on his Test debut during the 2024 Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, claiming a spot in cricket's history books.
In a performance that dazzled the packed stadium, the 19-year-old batsman struck a blistering 60, becoming one of the youngest Australians to score a fifty in Test cricket. His impressive knock not only showcased his aggression and temperament under pressure but also solidified his place among the greats of Australian cricket.

| Player | Age | Runs | Mins | BF | 4s | 6s | SR | Opposition | Ground | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Craig | 17y 239d | 53 | 107 | - | 6 | 0 | - | v South Africa | Melbourne | 6 Feb 1953 |
| Sam Konstas | 19y 85d | 60 | - | 65 | 6 | 2 | 92.30 | v India | Melbourne | 26 Dec 2024 |
| Neil Harvey | 19y 121d | 153 | 250 | 251 | 12 | 0 | 60.95 | v India | Melbourne | 6 Feb 1948 |
| Archey Jackson | 19y 149d | 164 | 318 | 331 | 15 | 0 | 49.54 | v England | Adelaide | 1 Feb 1929 |
| Ashton Agar | 19y 269d | 98 | 134 | 101 | 12 | 2 | 97.02 | v England | Nottingham | 10 Jul 2013 |
| Neil Harvey | 19y 288d | 112 | 188 | - | 17 | 0 | - | v England | Leeds | 22 Jul 1948 |
| Doug Walters | 19y 354d | 155 | 322 | 315 | 11 | 2 | 49.20 | v England | Brisbane | 10 Dec 1965 |
Konstas, who entered the game as a debutant, demonstrated exceptional skill and maturity on the field. He was unfazed by the pressure of playing against India, one of the most formidable sides in Test cricket. His half-century came in just 52 balls, making him the second youngest Australian to achieve this feat.
He sits behind Ian Craig, who remains the youngest Australian to score a Test fifty at 17 years and 240 days. Konstas, at 19 years and 85 days, now ranks second on this prestigious list. This achievement is a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his potential to become one of Australia’s future batting stars.
During his innings, Konstas took on some of the best bowlers in the world, including Jasprit Bumrah. He unleashed an aggressive 18-run over off Bumrah, a rare feat against such a world-class bowler. His performance wasn’t just about runs, though; it was also about attitude and confidence. At one point, he had an intense exchange with Virat Kohli, showing that he was not only capable of handling pressure but also eager to engage in the contest.
His half-century was an early indication that Australia may have found the successor they were looking for to fill the void left by the likes of David Warner. Konstas’ breakthrough came after some stellar performances in the domestic Shield cricket, and his call-up to the squad was a testament to his readiness for international cricket.
Although initially overlooked for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he seized the opportunity when Nathan McSweeney’s form faltered. His hundred in a practice game against India A further solidified his case for a spot in the Test team.