Young Australia batter Sam Konstas is ready with plans to face the Indian bowling attack in the upcoming fourth Test of the series in Melbourne. Notably, Konstas has replaced Nathan McSweeney for the last two Tests against India and is set to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming game in Melbourne.
Despite coming into the series on the back of good form, Konstas will have a herculean task of facing ace India speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who was an absolute nightmare to face for his predecessor Nathan McSweeney. However, he’s unfazed by the challenge and is ready with plans to ace the Test on his debut.
“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 a bit of pressure back on the bowlers,” Konstas told Fox Cricket.
Further speaking ahead, the 19-year-old revealed that it will be a dream come true moment for him to play in front of a packed crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and he’s ready to be challenged. Konstas also revealed that Nathan McSweeney also congratulated him on his maiden national call-up.
“It will be a huge honour debuting. A dream come true. I think it’s a sellout already (at the MCG). I’m very excited (to take on India). I want to be challenged. Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats – he actually congratulated me this morning so we’re very close mates. I wish him all the best,” he added.
Sam Konstas’ brilliant form in recent times
Meanwhile, Konstas didn’t have a memorable outing in his second Big Bash League match for Sydney Thunder against Sydney Sixers as he got dismissed for a three-ball duck. However, he’s been in magnificent form in the Sheffield Shield, being the second-highest run scorer for New South Wales (NSW) with 471 runs from eight innings at an average of 58.87 with two hundreds and one fifty.
Earlier, he also scored a brilliant hundred for Prime Minister’s XI against India during the pink-ball warm up fixture. Konstas scored a sensational 107 (97) with the help of 14 fours and a six as he guided his team to a score of 240. He also scored a match-winning unbeaten 73 in the second unofficial Test against India A. Hence, the 19-year-old will be eager to continue his marvellous form at the international level as well.
