Latest inclusion in Australia's Test squad Konstas himself he doesn't seem too worried about the prospect of facing the spearhead of India's bowling jasprit bumrah during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Ahead of the match, the 19-year-old played mind games claiming that he already has plans for Bumrah and is not too worried about facing him on his Test debut. Sam Konstas has been included in Australia's squad for the final two Tests of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
He replaced Nathan McSweeney in the team, who played the first three Tests but could not make a significant contribution. McSweeney found it extremely difficult to face Bumrah in testing conditions with the new ball and was eventually replaced by Konstas.
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Sam Konstas plays mind games
During a press conference ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas was asked about how he stacks up against the best bowler in the world at the moment, Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas has accepted Bumrah to be the best in the world but claims he has plans to counter him.
“I have my plans against Bumrah but of course I won't say what it is. Generally I will put pressure back on the bowler. Jasprit Bumrah is the best in the world but they are all good bowlers.” Konstas stated.
The young man has been compared to Shane Watson because of his attacking style at the highest level. Konstas noted that the styles of the two are the same as they like to take the game forward with their aggressive batting style.
“I am quite familiar with Shane Watson. I like to take the game and put pressure on the bowler. Shane Watson is a legend of the game, I hope to do the same this week,” he added.
'It's just another day for me' – Sam Konstas on his potential debut
Speaking further about his potential debut, Sam Konstas called the upcoming Melbourne Test a special one as his parents are coming to watch his potential debut. He braces himself to make good on the big occasion.
“It's just another day for me. A bit special because my parents are coming. But it's pretty simple, I'll be back,” the 19-year-old said.
Konstas has previously claimed that he does not want to think too much about Jasprit Bumrah and that he does not pursue his videos too much. The youngster aims to keep things simple and stand by his methods to counter the opposition.
Sam Konstas first class numbers
Sam Konstas does not have a huge experience in first-class cricket but has already shown his capabilities in the limited overs he has played so far. He has scored 718 runs in 11 first-class games so far at an average of 42.23.
Recently, he scored a quickfire hundred for the Prime Minister's XI against India in the pink ball warm-up game in Canberra. He scored these runs against all Indian bowlers except Jasprit Bumrah who did not play in that game.