David Warner praises Konstas's fearless approach, questions senior batters against Bumrah

Former Australian opener David Warner has commended 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas for his bold batting against India’s Jasprit Bumrah during Australia’s Boxing Day Test win, which has given them a 2-1 series lead. Warner praised Konstas’s fearless approach, noting his aggressive strokeplay, including 34 runs off Bumrah in the opening session, which helped shift momentum in Australia’s favor.

Warner, however, raised concerns over why it took a young, inexperienced player to show the initiative that seasoned batters like himself, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja failed to demonstrate. He criticized the lack of bravery from Australia’s top order, pointing out that players with more experience could have been more proactive in facing Bumrah. Warner specifically referenced the successful counterattacking approach of Travis Head, who played a match-winning knock in Adelaide, suggesting that other players could have adopted similar aggressive tactics.

Despite Konstas’s efforts, Bumrah remained the standout bowler of the match, claiming nine wickets, including Konstas’s dismissal in the second innings. Bumrah's consistent threat has troubled Australia throughout the series, with the pacer’s swing and accuracy continuing to pose significant challenges.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line in the final Test in Sydney, Warner’s comments highlight the need for more consistent and fearless batting from Australia’s experienced players.