Australia's young opener Sam Konstas who featured against India during their practice match on Australian soil against Prime Minister XI has received his maiden international call-up ahead of Boxing Day Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The young batter will most likely make his debut in the upcoming clash scheduled to take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne from December 26.
Konstas who was called into the Australia squad as a replacement for Nathan McSweeney said that he knows how to counter Bumrah, who has taken 21 wickets in the series.
“I do, I’m not going to say what it is, just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers,” he said, adding he’s looking at it as just another game of cricket.
“Pretty simple, just back myself and see-ball, hit-ball really” Konstas told Australian media.
Sam Konstas's performance against India
The young batter was featured in the pink-ball warm-up match against India at Manuka Oval for the Prime Minister's XI. Against a strong Indian bowling attack that included Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja, he hit an incredible 107 off 97 balls, including 14 fours and a six. He was the part of Australia A squad that played against India A in October and November earlier this year. He was instrumental in his team's triumph in the second unofficial Test, scoring an undefeated 73 in the second innings.
Teenage wonder Sam Konstas is set to become Australia's youngest Test batting debutant in over 70 years. The right-hander would be Australia's youngest Test debutant since current captain Pat Cummins, who made his debut against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2011 at the age of 18 years 193 days if he were to be given a Baggy Green cap on Boxing Day at MCG.