Australia’s Sam Konstas is highly confident ahead of his potential debut in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG against India. Konstas wants to keep things simple in terms of preparations ahead of the match and also spoke about the importance of receiving a Test Cap.
Among all of India’s players in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah has arguably created the highest no. of problems for the home team. He is currently the highest wicket-taker of the series so far.
Jasprit Bumrah caused a huge amount of trouble for Nathan McSweeney, Australia’s opener for the first three Tests alongside Usman Khawaja. The 31-year-old quick dismissed McSweeney four times out of six innings. After a series of poor performances, McSweeney was dropped for Konstas for the final two Tests.
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Sam Konstas speaks about the prospect of facing Jasprit Bumrah
During a media interaction, Sam Konstas seemed confident about his abilities and backed his skills to do his best. Konstas also revealed that he won’t watch too much of Jasprit Bumrah despite the threat posed by him.
“I won’t watch too much (of him). I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe,” Konstas stated.
“I’m super confident. Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it’s a huge honour if I do get in,” he added.
Konstas was already in contention for the selection ahead of this series. However, the selectors decided to give Nathan McSweeney a chance to open alongside Usman Khawaja. But McSweeney failed miserably and could score just 72 runs in three Tests at an average of 14.40.
“It was emotional, mum was crying” – Sam Konstas on being selected in Test squad
Sam Konstas further spoke about the importance of making his Test debut. The youngster remembers the sacrifices made by his family over the years and is looking forward to making his red-ball debut in front of them.
“It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity. I just had dinner with the family (to celebrate), pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying. Everything has happened so fast,” Konstas said.
“Mum and dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. Just to give something back to them was very special. I can’t wait to have them in Melbourne for support,” the 19-year-old added.
Sam Konstas first class-numbers
Sam Konstas is not a highly experienced first-class player and has played just 11 first-class matches so far. The right-hander has scored 718 runs at an average of 42.23 so far but has been excellent in the last few games.
He looked in supreme form during the pink-ball warm-up against India at Canberra where he smashed a cracking hundred. The youngster was on the selectors’ radar for some time now and is likely to make his Test debut finally at the historic MCG.