Sam Konstas reminded me of my best mate Andrew Symonds: Matthew Hayden-OxBig News Network

Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden shared a heartfelt Instagram post reminiscing about Andrew Symonds’s maiden Test century, achieved 18 years ago on December 27, 2006. Hayden, who was at the non-striker’s end during Symonds’s iconic knock against England in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, drew parallels to the fearless performance of debutant Sam Konstas in Australia’s ongoing Melbourne Test against India.

Hayden’s tribute captured the spirit of resilience and flair that defined Symonds’s 156-run knock and highlighted the similarities with Konstas’s debut effort. At just 19 years old, Konstas scored a fiery 60 off 65 balls, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s formidable first-innings total of 474. Hayden noted that Konstas’s approach mirrored Symonds’s aggression, determination, and ability to rise to the occasion, qualities that endeared Symonds to fans and teammates alike.

Melbourne Test, Day 2: Highlights

“18 years ago today I batted at the MCG with my best mate wearing our baggy green caps for Australia. He made his first test 100! Watching @samkonstas5 yesterday, was exciting, just like I felt standing watching Simmo batting,” Hayden wrote in his post.

Konstas joined an elite group of Australian cricketers who debuted against India and scored fifty-plus runs. His brisk half-century, achieved in just 52 balls, made him the youngest Australian in over seven decades to accomplish such a feat, cementing his name in the history books alongside legends like Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann.

Symonds’s Memorable MCG Knock in 2006

Symonds’s maiden Test hundred in 2006 was a career-defining moment. Recalled midway through the Ashes series, Symonds delivered a match-winning 156 off 220 balls in front of an electrified MCG crowd. Known for his explosive batting, he brought up his hundred with a stylish six off none other than Paul Collingwood, showcasing his signature flair. The innings, which came during a game remembered for Shane Warne’s 700th Test wicket, marked the turning point in Symonds’s career, as he went on to average over 60 for the remainder of his 26-match Test career.

India’s Struggles in Melbourne

In response to Australia’s imposing 474, India’s batting lineup faltered under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal left KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to rebuild. While Jaiswal shone with a composed 82 in a 102-run partnership with Virat Kohli, a disastrous mix-up led to his run-out, derailing India’s innings. Kohli followed soon after, falling for 32, succumbing to his recurring flaw of edging deliveries outside off-stump.

Nightwatchman Akash Deep departed for a duck, leaving India at 156/5 at stumps on Day 2, trailing by 310 runs. The burden now rests on Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja to stage a revival on Day 3 and keep India’s hopes alive in the Test.