An air of expectation swirled around Sam Konstas. The 19 year old was part excited, and part nervous energy. Understandable as he is all set to make is international debut in the upcoming Boxing Day Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Thursday.
He is in!
Sam Konstas is set to make his Test debut on Boxing Day while a star batter remains an uncertainty #AUSvIND
MORE: https://t.co/ImefAIvmLd pic.twitter.com/olf48W6yYJ
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 24, 2024
In a chat with the media on Monday, he was asked about whether he saw tapes of Jasprit Bumrah. Dealing with the verbal bouncer, the youngster had his counter ready: “No, not really. I watched a bit but I am just trying to be in the moment and hopefully I will get the opportunity of playing him”.
Later when pressed on probable strategies against the Indian spearhead, the opener offered a straight bat: “I do (have plans), I am not going to say what it is, but it is just about trying to put pressure back on the bowlers.” Once Australia’s optional nets started, Konstas practised what he preached and essayed a range of shots against Marnus Labuschagne’s throw-downs and occasional spin.
Also Read: Know, What The Cops Asked Allu Arjun In ‘Pushpa 2’ Stampede Case?
Cutting back to the press conference, Konstas gave a hat-tip to his idol Shane Watson: “I admire Shane Watson a lot. He is a legend of the game. (Like him) I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers and hopefully I can do that this week if I (make my) debut.”
Reacting to the big break while he is yet to turn 20, the batter quipped: “This is an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in and this feels like family. This is a dream-come-true and I feel pretty relaxed and am living in the moment.”
Travis Head To Take Fitness Test
Travis Head is yet to pass a late fitness test to take part. Australia coach McDonald said Head sustained a quad strain late in the third Test while batting. However, it’s likely that he will take part in Melbourne.
