Marnus Labuschagne reveals how Sam Konstas drove Jasprit Bumrah crazy at the MCG – and made him and Steve Smith question how they play cricket

Whatever the outcome of the MCG Test, Jasprit ‘Boom Boom’ Bumrah and Sam ‘Kid’ Konstas will move to the SCG level at points in their private fight.

The Indian ace did not hide his emotions on Sunday as he bowled the Australian debutant with a gem of a delivery that went between bat and pad.

Bumrah excitedly urged the crowd to make more noise, parodying Konstas’ gestures as the Australian teenager was fielding.

After Konstas distracted Bumrah and the rest of the Indian team in the first innings by playing a succession of ramp shots on his way to a crucial 60, he was dismissed for eight this time.

Just as Konstas’ half-century set the tone for the first innings, his cheap dismissal on the wicket in the first innings meant a torrid time ahead for the Australian top order.

Konstas finished second in the second round with Indian master Bumrah

Fellow Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne was in no doubt there was a reason for Bumrah’s animation as he bowled Konstas.

“I’m pretty sure the young man was a little under his skin,” Labuschagne said of Bumrah.

‘I definitely get angry when I ‘cheek’ (throw them down in training) and get hit in reverse, let alone bowl.

“I’d say that had quite a bit to do with it.”

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 on his home ground next week – a clash that could decide the Border-Gavaskar series.

Although Labuschagne says Bumrah is ‘ruthless’, he is also impressed by Konstas’ attitude.

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

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

Marnus Labuschagne says the Australian debutant got under Bumrah’s skin

Labuschagne said Konstas’ unorthodox approach influenced him and Steve Smith

“So he will love being 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?’