The young opener put India on the back foot with his outrageous shots, reminding people of a recent attacking batter whose absence is felt

Steve Smith stood in firm occupation of the crease, India’s bowling and fielding were sapped of venom, and a Boxing Day crowd of 87,242 sat back comfortably in their seats amid the unmistakable hum of a thousand conversations.

At 19 years and 85 days, Konstas became the second-youngest to score a Test fifty for Australia. Ian Craig holds the record for being the youngest to do so, at 17 years and 240 days. The former also became the first player to score a Test fifty on debut against India before turning 20.