An ABC cricket podcast claims Sam Konstas might be set to become the youngest Australian batsman to debut since Ian Craig in 1953. Craig was 17 years 239 days old.
Konstas’ exuberance was apparent after his first net session, and he was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket, “I think for me, what an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in, so it feels like a family. It’s been awesome, a dream come true, and hopefully I get to represent my country.”
His teammate Sean Abbott told Fox that Konstas would be a broadcasters delight with his chirping at short leg, where traditionally the youngest team members get posted. Abbott said, “I really enjoyed my time with him in the Shield game here a couple of weeks ago. What I will say is if he gets the chance to play, turn up the stump mikes when he’s at short leg (because) he’s got some good bants. He’s a funny, funny young kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about it if he gets the opportunity.”
Konstas himself said he had a plan for Jasprit Bumrah – but all hush. “I do but I’m not going to say what it is, but (I will) just be trying to put pressure back onto the bowlers,” Fox quoted him. “They are all very good bowlers. Obviously, they’re the best in the world, but I’m looking forward to the challenge, and hopefully I’ll get to experience that this week. I’ve watched (Bumrah) quite a bit, but (I’m) just trying to be in the moment. And hopefully I get the opportunity on Boxing Day.”
Mentored by Shane Watson he expects the former star’s family to be at the MCG, as will his own Greek family. “I’ve probably played backyard series with my brother. (There was) a lot of food – (we are a) Greek family – so my grandma’s probably cooking. I think they’re coming over soon for Christmas Day. Funny enough, all my brothers are bowlers, so I scored a few runs, but it is obviously a special moment,” Konstas added.
Abbott told Fox he found the teenager pretty unbothered by the challenges up ahead. “In terms of what he’s been able to achieve so far in Shield cricket in such a short space of time and the way he approaches the game, it does not bother him who he’s coming up against. Whether it’s the other day when we were playing against Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, who’ve got a fair bit of experience, he was pretty unfazed (in that match). And I’d imagine, should he get the opportunity, it’d be pretty similar. From what I’ve seen so far, I’d probably say it’s his most admirable attribute,” Abbott said.
Konstas himself chimed in. “I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person and I’m just trying to live in the moment. I haven’t quite checked the wicket now, but playing at the MCG, I’m pretty sure it is a sell out on day one and day two, so it’ll be such a huge honour and a great challenge,” he said. Cricket Australia are expecting 2.5 lakh to troop in for the duration of the Boxing Day Test.
“I don’t get too fazed. I think every opportunity I get, I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and score runs. But other than that, I’m just grateful for all the opportunities I have,” Konstas added.
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