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‘It’s a safe shot’: Why Sam Konstas isn’t bothered by perception after his ramp masterclass

When Sam Konstas tore apart Jasprit Bumrah on debut, the whole cricketing world sat back feeling a number of emotions.

Was it shock? Was it awe?

For India, it was frustration.

AS IT HAPPENED: Australia vs India fourth Test, day one

Sam Konstas pulls off a ramp shot.  Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Australian fans trying to go about their day were stuck to the couch.

Everything about this kid said once-in-a-generation.

That was only heightened by Bumrah's ninth ball when Konstas attempted his first ramp.

He missed it and it left Usman Khawaja laughing at the other end.

Then he went berserk in Bumrah's fourth over, hitting the first ball for four with a ramp. Same shot next ball, and it was six.

"It's putting off the Indian bowlers, they're certainly not used to a batsman playing them like this," Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

The fifth ball of the over was a six again with a ramp.

"Unbelievable," Ravi Shastri said.

For Konstas, he wasn't worried about looking like a mug if he was bowled playing the shot.

"Not really. I think it probably would look silly if I did get out but I work pretty hard on that shot and I feel like it's a safe shot for me really," he said post-match in his press conference.

"I think that's the beauty of being young, it may be a bit naïve but I'm just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers the best way I think (I can)."

Konstas' approach continues a new trend as to how Test cricket is played.

England's Bazball philosophy is well known and the thought of Joe Root playing a ramp shot early in his Test career is just unfathomable.

Now it's a regular shot in his repertoire.

Konstas admits it's just all part of the modern era.

"I reckon 20 or 30 years ago, people were saying defend a lot, just bat all day but I think new generation, new shots," he said.

"It's exciting for me, I like doing that, I like putting pressure back on the bowlers and hopefully it pays off in the next innings."

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