Aussie cricket legend warns Sam Konstas that India have found a big problem with his game – and it could wreck his career

Australian cricket legend Kerry O’Keeffe has warned Sam Konstas that India have discovered a glaring flaw in his game and if it is not addressed soon, it could ruin his entire career.

The teenage sensation punished India in his first innings of the Boxing Day Test, plundering just 52 balls for a half-century after some fantastic ramp shots and daring strokes as he saw off the world-class bowling attack.

However, going into the match, it became clear that the youngster was struggling with in-swinging deliveries after being dismissed by them many times during his budding career.

During the second innings, Jasprit Bumrah took advantage of this to smother one back into Konstas and take his wicket.

However, according to O’Keeffe, the problem has more to do with Konstas’ defensive technique – and this needs to be resolved quickly.

“The Indian tacticians have identified a problem with Sam Konstas’ forward defense,” O’Keeffe told Fox Cricket.

O’Keefe says a gap has opened up in Konstas’ defense as his technique is not good

‘They have now suddenly discovered an error in his first Test that will go around the world.

“Sam has completely lost his front shoulder and is just playing with his hands,” O’Keeffe continued.

“He pushes his hands toward the ball away from his body. The rift was created and Bumrah passed through it.

“He doesn’t need too many invitations.”

Bumrah’s tussle with the 19-year-old opener sets the stage for an enthralling second round when Konstas plays a Test for the first time at his SCG home base, starting on Friday, in a clash that could decide the Border-Gavaskar series.

Marnus Labuschagne says he is impressed by Konstas’ attitude.

After scoring 72 and 70 in the Boxing Day Test, Labuschagne said Konstas’ unorthodox approach had influenced him when he was on the verge.

Jasprit Bumrah (right) is pictured after taking the wicket of Konstas at the MCG

Konstas will play his first Test at his home ground, the SCG, next week and the outcome will determine the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

‘Sam is a young player with a lot of self-confidence and he really shows that. I love that about him,” Labuschagne said.

“So he will love taking part in the competition and he will love that Bumrah has given it a boost. I’m sure he will be ready for the next innings.

‘That first innings, watching Sam Bat and the way he did it, I sat there with Steve (Smith) and said, ‘We really need to look at how we go about it because this looks a lot more fun’.

“It probably just made me think about what my best method is, rather than thinking about (technique) — it was just more tactical: ‘Okay, how am I going to find a way through this?’ How am I going to score points?’

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 being embarrassed by India in Perth to start this blockbuster five-Test battle.