The Konstas-Bumrah show captivates MCG

"How does it work here? Can I ask for a change of gloves at the end of this over?"

In that moment, Sam Konstas had revealed that he was after all only a 19-year-old trying to understand how Test cricket works. A boy who is trying to get his head around what the big stage is like and probably trying to figure out what he's doing here.

The question was for umpire Michael Gough, overheard through the stump mic. It was at the end of the over in which Konstas had taken on the best bowler in the world in the most audacious of fashions. And taken down Jasprit Bumrah as well. It started with scoop for four over wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Followed by a reverse ramp for six over the slip cordon, before finishing with another reverse scoop for four in the same direction. There were also an attempted hoick and a classical leave in between all the mayhem before the right-hander slammed a full delivery to mid-off. 14 runs off a Bumrah over. And what did Konstas want to know? If he could get a fresh pair of gloves, which umpire Gough did let him have.

It was a moment that summed up both the naivety and the massive learning curve for the young kid. But also, one that summed up the naivety and the lack of fear for the young kid.

For, unlike how he wondered out aloud about the change of gloves, you knew Konstas was not going to die wondering when it came to facing up to the biggest challenge of his young life. The mighty Bumrah with a new-ball.

While his brazen courage and ability to throw caution to the winds will be celebrated for years and maybe even generations to come, it was Konstas' ability to somehow survive and then overcome the incredible baptism by fire that needs to be lauded with equal gusto.

The ramps and reverse ramps only came after Bumrah had not allowed Konstas to lay his bat on ball. The first over from Bumrah to Konstas will go down as possibly the toughest ever faced a debutant to kick off his career. Forget that it was Boxing Day at the MCG. Forget that it was in front of more than 87,000 people packed into the enormity of the grandest sporting arena in Australia. Forget that all of Australia was tuned in, including the Prime Minister.

It was a masterclass on seam bowling. In terms of lines, lengths and what the ball was doing upon pitching. Konstas left a couple of deliveries alone confidently. But three of the first six deliveries were those that the youngster could easily have nicked. In with the angle, dragging him forward, and then snaking away from his outside-edge. And no reactions from Bumrah except a wide smile, like he was welcoming the newbie into his world. The world that he's bossed over in this calendar year, just like he has the Australian batters this summer.

Konstas had played a reverse ramp some 5 minutes into his first-ever nets' session as a member of the Aussie Test squad earlier this week. He'd then shouted, "bowled Bumrah" to his teammates. On Test debut, it took him only 10 deliveries of absolute genius from Bumrah to bring out the same shot. Only that he missed, and he missed again. Bumrah's smile only got wider.

The inquisition was only starting. Next over, India's premier fast bowler kept challenging Konstas outside his off-stump before finally delivering the type of ball that was predicted to be the debutant's kryptonite. A sharp in-swinging delivery zeroing in on Konstas' pads and stumps. To his credit, the opener kept it out.

It often takes some cricketers at least 18 months before finding their feet at the Test level. Eighteen deliveries is what Konstas needed, if not to find his feet, then surely to find his way. Or decide upon an approach he was going to take to counter Bumrah.

And thus began one of the most exciting periods in the history of Test cricket with a teenaged debutant at the helm. Konstas' shot making ranged from the outrageous to the outlandish, interspersed with some awe-inspiring strokeplay. After targeting the reverse V behind the stumps, Konstas began charging at the Indian fast bowlers, be it Bumrah or Mohammad Siraj, and hitting them to all parts.

Cutting and scything Siraj for boundaries before making room and slapping a length delivery on the up through extra cover off Bumrah. Then a T20 style hoick over long-on for six, followed by a classy glide towards third for four. This was BBL cricket in whites. This was Test cricket on speed. It was thrilling.

Konstas had run out to the middle, leaving his senior partner Usman Khawaja trailing behind, as Australia began their innings. He'd flashed a big smile upon seeing his face flashing up on the big screen while the Australian anthem sang out around the MCG. This was his moment, and he was prepared to seize it.

And while it lasted, you couldn't take your eyes off it. When it was done, you couldn't imagine what it could mean for what's to come. From Konstas and others like him who'll take to Test cricket the way he has and try playing it on their own accord. Without fear, without inhibitions, without limits.

Bumrah did get his own back later in the day, as he once again brought India back into the contest with a spell of great incisiveness. That too just when Australia seemed to be getting into a commanding position with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith holding court.

He started with getting rid of his nemesis, Travis Head, with an excellent delivery that seamed in off an angle from around the wicket, as the left-hander shouldered arms. Then came Mitch Marsh in his next over, to a lifting delivery.

Bumrah's eventual figures of 3/75 came in 21 overs, of which 34 runs were scored in 3 of those overs by Konstas. It was a statistic that summed up what transpired on a dramatic Boxing Day at the 'G.

A day that announced the arrival of a new star who gave a preview of what's to come. Even as the biggest star of the present showed why he's still the best.