A third-ball duck for Sam Konstas on Saturday night for the Sydney Thunder hasn’t dented the young batting prodigy’s confidence and enthusiasm for a potential debut on Boxing Day next week.
Speaking for the first time since being unveiled in Australia’s 15-man squad for upcoming Tests against India in Melbourne and Sydney, Konstas said he received a message from dumped opener Nathan McSweeney after his axing from the team.
“Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats and he actually congratulated me this morning,” Konstas said on the Fox broadcast. “We’re very close mates and I wish him all the best.
“I was actually in the nets and I got the call from [head selector] George Bailey. He told me I was in the Test squad. I was so thrilled. I called my parents straight away. They were very emotional. Hopefully I meet the team tomorrow and go from there.
“Mum was in tears. I was telling her not to cry and Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey, all the ups and downs, very grateful for their sacrifice. They’ve been great support to me.
“It’d be a huge honour debuting. A dream come true. I think it’s a sellout already, so I think family and friends will be there as well.”
Sam Konstas hits out for the Sydney Thunder.Credit: Getty Images
The prospect of batting in front of more than 90,000 fans at the MCG will be a dream come true for Konstas, who could become the youngest batsman to debut for the Australian men’s team since 17-year-old Ian Craig in 1953.
Australian selectors haven’t confirmed whether Konstas will play, but he appears a decent chance given he and Usman Khawaja are the only specialist openers in the squad.
After a stunning Big Bash debut, which saw him smash 56 off 27 balls against the Adelaide Strikers, Konstas inside edged a ball onto his stumps for a duck against the Sixers at Sydney Olympic Park in the first innings of the match.
It was less than ideal ahead of a potential debut in Melbourne, but it didn’t seem to bother him.
“I’ve very excited,” Konstas said. “I want to be challenged and I’ve got a few plans against those [Indian] bowlers. Feeling like I’m moving really nice and hopefully I get that opportunity.
“I’m just going to react to the ball and show a bit of intent and put pressure back on the bowlers.”
Konstas said he had “20 or 30” people heading to Melbourne in the event he plays.
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