- Kerry O'Keeffe says Sam Konstas' weakness has been exposed
- He says that the young man needs to solve the problem very soon or else
Australian cricket legend Kerry O'Keeffe has warned Sam Konstas that India has found a glaring flaw in his game and if it is not addressed soon, it could destroy his entire career.
The teenage sensation punished India during their first innings of the Boxing Day Test, plundering a half-century off just 52 balls after some incredible ramp shots and audacious knocks as they routed the world-class bowling attack.
However, as the match began, it became clear that the youngster has trouble with quick deliveries after being dismissed by them many times during his budding career.
During the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah took advantage of this by returning one to Konstas and taking his wicket.
However, according to O'Keeffe, the problem has more to do with Konstas' defensive technique and needs to be fixed quickly.
“Indian strategists have identified a problem with Sam Konstas' forward defence,” O'Keeffe told Fox Cricket.
Kerry O'Keeffe warned Sam Konstas that India has found a big flaw in their game
O'Keefe says a gap is created in Konstas' defense because his technique is not good
'Suddenly they have detected a failure in their first test that will go around the world.
“Sam's front shoulder is completely gone and he's just playing with his hands,” O'Keeffe continued.
'He's pushing his hands toward the ball away from his body. The gap was created and Bumrah stepped through it.
“You don't need too many invitations.”
Bumrah's tussle with the 19-year-old opener sets the stage for an absorbing second round when Konstas plays a Test at his SCG home ground for the first time from Friday in a clash that could decide the Border-Gavaskar series.
Marnus Labuschagne says he is enthralled with Konstas's attitude.
After scoring 72 and 70 in the Boxing Day Test, Labuschagne said Konstas' unorthodox approach had influenced him when he was at the crease.
Jasprit Bumrah (right) is pictured after taking the wicket of Konstas at the MCG.
Konstas will test at his home stadium at the SCG for the first time next week and the result will decide the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
'Sam is a very confident young player and he really shows it. I love that about him,” Labuschagne said.
“So he'll love taking part in the contest and he'll love that Bumrah has fast-tracked it.” I'm sure he'll be ready for the next entries.
“That first inning, watching Sam hit and the way he did it, I was sitting there with Steve (Smith) and I was saying, 'We really have to see how we're doing, because this looks a lot more fun.'
“It probably made me think about what my best method is, rather than thinking about (technique); it was just more tactical, 'OK, how am I going to find a way to get through this?' How am I going to score runs?'
If Australia can lift the trophy in Sydney, it would be the first time since the 1997 Ashes that they have recovered from a 0-1 deficit to win a Test series.
It would mark a dramatic turnaround after India embarrassed them in Perth to kick off this successful five-Test battle.