Australia's 19-year-old national cricket sensation Sam Konstas has issued a warning to the Indian national cricket team players ahead of the fourth Test match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sam Konstas said he has some plans in place to deal with the threat of the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian bowling unit in the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test match starting on December 26.
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Sam Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney in the last two test matches
Teenage batting sensation Sam Konstas is one of the most exciting young players on the Australian cricket circuit. He played 11 matches in first-class cricket and scored 718 runs at an average of 42.33 with two tons and three fifties.
He impressed the Australian selectors with his batting style and there were expectations that he would start the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series as Usman Khawaja's partner at the top.
However, the selection committee preferred Nathan McSweeney over Konstas for the first three matches, but the former's failure led to the latter two Tests being dropped.
The George Bailey-led group have now put their faith in Konstas to give the Aussies a good start in the rest of the series. He also played in the PM XI vs India XI match in Canberra and scored a brilliant 107 runs against the Indian bowling unit.
I will react to the ball and show some intent – Sam Konstas
If Konstas gets his Test cap on debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he would become Australia's youngest Test debutant since captain Pat Cummins, who was 18 years and 193 days when he donned the Baggy Green in 2011. Speaking about this, the youngster said on Fox Cricket:
“It will be a great honor to debut. A dream come true. I think it's already sold out (at the MCG).”
He also made it clear that he will face the Indian bowlers with full intent and put pressure on them.
“I've got a few plans against those (Indian) bowlers. I feel like I'm swinging really well and hopefully I'll get that opportunity. I'll react to the ball and show a bit of intent and put a bit of pressure back on the bowlers,” he added.
Mom was crying so I told her not to cry. Dad was super proud – Sam Konstas
The 19-year-old also revealed that he was practicing online when the chief selector informed him of his selection in the Test squad. He explained:
“I am very excited (to face India). I want to be challenged. I was so excited. I immediately called my parents… Mom was crying so I was telling her not to cry. Dad was super proud.
Konstas further revealed that McSweeney, who was devastated after the snub, congratulated him on the call-up.
“It's been an amazing journey. All the ups and downs – very grateful for their sacrifices. They've been a great support. Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats – he actually congratulated me this morning so we're Very close friends, I wish them well,” he said.