Australian debutant Sam Konstas launched a counterattack on the Indian bowlers on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The 19-year-old played audacious shots en route to his maiden Test half-century (60 off 65 balls), including six boundaries and two sixes.

Konstas was particularly severe on Jasprit Bumrah, executing ramp shot and reverse scoops against the Indian pace spearhead. In the process, he became only the second batter, after England's Jos Buttler, to hit two maximums off Bumrah in a single Test innings.

Speaking to Channel Seven ahead of the third day’s play at the MCG, Bumrah shared his experience of bowling to Konstas.

"I have experienced heaps of it. I have played T20 cricket a lot. More than 12 years of T20 cricket. Interesting batsman as well, and I always felt I was in the game, I never felt that I am far away from a wicket. Initially I felt I could get him out 6-7 times in the first two overs, but that's how cricket goes, some days it pays off, it looks good, some days it doesn't, then you guys might be criticizing the same person. So that's how cricket is, I love different challenges and always looking forward to a new challenge," Bumrah said.

Bumrah, the chief architect behind India’s last two Test series wins Down Under, is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing BGT so far with 25 scalps to his name at a staggering average of 13.12.

On how playing in Australia brings the best out of him, Bumrah replied, "Yes it always brings out the best in me. I played here in my first Test tour in 2018, I made my ODI debut in 2016 here as well. It brings out a lot of challenges as well because the wickets are very flat, the Kookaburra ball does a little bit with the new ball but then doesn't do anything, so your accuracy is tested, the weather can sometimes test your fitness, you patience everything is tested. So once you come out on top, after that, it really leaves you in a very good space and you can become a better cricketer."

The ace pacer was also effusive in praise on veteran batter Steve Smith, who smashed 140 during Australia's first innings at MCG.

"He (Smith) is always been a challenge. He is unorthodox, bit like me. He is not a conventional batter, someday he is shuffling someday not, so it brings out a new challenge. He scores in different area of the ground and so you have to be consistent and bowl good balls ball after ball.

"I always had good battles with him in all formats I played against him. Obviously, one of the greats of the game and in this format he is always difficult to bowl," Bumrah said.

Coming to the Melbourne Test, Rishabh Pant (28 off 37) and Ravindra Jadeja (17 off 51) frustrated the Aussies with dodged resistance after India resumed their innings on 164/5.

However, after both players got out in quick succession, Nitish Kumar Reddy joined forces with Washington Sundar. The pair executed a commendable rescue act for the visiting side, taking them past the 300-run mark in response to Australia’s first innings score of 474.

India were 326/7 at Tea on Day 3, with Nitish (85) and Sundar (40) unbeaten in the middle, trailing the hosts by 148 runs.