NEW DELHI: Australia’s rookie opener Sam Konstas has devised a plan to deal with the Indian bowlers, notably tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, as he gears up for a possible Test debut in the Boxing Day Test on the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday.
The 19-yr-previous was drafted into the Australian squad as a substitute for Nathan McSweeney, with the selectors opting for a extra aggressive accomplice for Usman Khawaja on the high of the order.
Konstas has had a speedy ascent in his cricketing profession, having been a part of Australia’s title-profitable group in the ICC U19 World Cup, the place they defeated India. He made his first-class debut in November 2023 and has already made an impression in home cricket.
In his Big Bash League (BBL) debut, Konstas smashed a blistering 56 off 27 balls for the Sydney Thunder. He adopted it up with a stellar knock of 107 off 97 balls towards India in a heat-up match forward of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
With the MCG Test approaching, Konstas spoke about his preparations, together with learning Bumrah’s bowling movies and gaining insights from India’s star batter KL Rahul.
“Not really. I’ve watched them (Bumrah bowling videos) quite a bit but just trying to be in the moment and yeah, hopefully I get the opportunity on Boxing Day. They’re all very good bowlers. Obviously they’re the best in the world but looking forward to the challenge and hopefully I’ll get to experience that this week,” Konstas instructed reporters on the MCG.
“I had a little chat with KL Rahul (during the tour match), just talking about how he goes about it, but other than that, it’s pretty simple,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on his journey, Konstas credited his experiences with India A and the mentorship he is obtained inside the Australian setup.
“Learned a lot, obviously challenging myself with the Indian A team and learning from great mentors in the Aussie A stuff. Hopefully, I get the opportunity. Just trying to put my best foot forward and score runs, but other than that, just grateful. For all the opportunities I have. And I have great mentors in Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, so they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” he added.
Konstas, who smashed 14 fours and a six in his good knock towards India in the nice and cozy-up match, the place he was named Man of the Match, attracts inspiration from former Australia allrounder Shane Watson.
“I admire Shane Watson a lot. I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers. He’s a legend of the game and hopefully, I can do that this week. For me, it is an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in, so I feel like family, it’s been awesome, a dream come true, and hopefully, I get to represent my country,” he mentioned.
