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Sam Konstas has earned plenty of praise from his teammates after the teenager's outstanding Test debut at the MCG.
The impact of Sam Konstas's Test debut goes well beyond the 19-year-old's audacious ramp shots and impressive first-innings 60.
Australian captain Pat Cummins has praised Konstas for his no-fear attitude, acknowledging the impact he had on his teammates during their epic Boxing Day Test win over India.
Konstas annoyed the Indians on day one, prompting a shoulder bump from Virat Kohli, and revved up the crowd at every opportunity while fielding.
Jasprit Bumrah had his revenge in the second innings, bowling Konstas for eight with a gem of a delivery, but the teenager's debut was a major highlight of the Australian win.
Marnus Labuschagne has spoken of how watching Konstas bat in the first innings made him reconsider his attitude out in the middle.
Cummins said after Monday's 184-run win that Konstas's infectious spirit resonated throughout the Australian camp.
"It wasn't just the runs he scored, it was the way he scored them. Uzzy (fellow opener Usman Khawaja) looked really fluent down the other end as well," Cummins said.
"I think you see everyone else out there, being proactive. He set up that first morning for us, probably that whole day, that whole innings.
"It was tough; we chose to bat, but day one, the MCG always does something. (Him) taking on their main guys ... everyone walked out there with a bit more intent."
Cummins said it has been "great fun" having the teenager join the team.
"I've always felt like one of the younger guys in the team, and then seeing Sammy as a 19-year-old, geeing up the crowd, I feel quite old," he said.
"He was unreal - the bravery he showed on day one ... there's a bit of process behind that - 'I can hang around here and probably wait to nick a ball to the slip, or I can try to put some pressure back on the bowler and take the game on'.
"He has that no-fear mindset, which is amazing. We've really loved what he brought to the team. He's had a great week."
