- Sam Konstas could make his Australian debut during the Boxing Day test
- The 19-year-old was drafted into Australia’s Test squad last week.
It’s been an emotional week for 19-year-old superstar Sam Konstas following his call-up to the Australian Test squad.
Pat Cummins’ side have opted to replace Nathan McSweeney in their squad with Konstas, following his excellent form with New South Wales and the Australian Prime Minister’s XI.
After a busy week, Konstas took part for the Thunder in this weekend’s BBL Sydney derby ahead of this week’s Boxing Day test.
He came out to open alongside experienced Test batsman David Warner but was bowled for a duck by Akeal Hosein off the third ball having reached 56 on debut against the Strikers last week.
While it was a disappointing result for Konstas on the eve of a potential Test debut, the 19-year-old was full of excitement about last week’s call-up.
Speaking during the match with Fox Cricket, Konstas revealed that his phone had not stopped ringing 48 hours after receiving a call from Test selector George Bailey while he was in the nets.
Sam Konstas has opened up about his whirlwind week in which he received his first call-up to Australia’s Test squad.
Konstas has enjoyed some superb recent form in the lead-up to his selection, but was sent off for a duck during Sunday’s BBL clash against the Sixers.
“I was focused on this game, and then he (Bailey) called me after practice. I was like far away, I’m on the team,” he said.
‘He said, “Congratulations, I can’t wait to have you.” It is an incredible opportunity, I have always dreamed of it. Hopefully I can make my debut in the Boxing Day test.
‘It was a bit unexpected. But I’m privileged to have the opportunity.”
Konstas powered his way to a century during the Prime Minister’s XI’s recent victory against India.
He followed up with an 88 against Western Australia for New South Wales.
He will become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since Cummins if he starts for Australia next week. Cummins was 18 when he made his debut against South Africa in 2011.
“I just had dinner with the family (on Friday) and it was pretty cold,” he added, lifting the lid on what the last few days have been like for him.
“It was emotional, mom was crying. I’m very excited and can’t wait to meet the team tomorrow.
The 19-year-old said his call-up was a bit “unexpected” but added he felt “a privilege” to be included in the team.
Nathan McSweeney was dropped in place of Konstas, but he wished the 19-year-old “all the best” before stating that he was an “exceptional hitter”.
Konstas also became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match in October.
‘Mom, dad and my brothers (I want to thank them for) all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing balls to me, experiencing the journey through ups and downs.
‘Just giving something back to them was very special. “I can’t wait to have them in Melbourne for support.”
Konstas, a star in the making, also became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match in October.
“His (Konstas’) batting style offers a point of difference and we look forward to seeing his game develop further,” Bailey said speaking about the decision to draft the young batsman.
‘We remain confident that Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. “It was a difficult decision to leave him out.”
McSweeney, meanwhile, admitted he was gutted to be dropped from the Test side for this week’s match and responded by hitting an unbeaten 78 to guide the Brisbane Heat to a dramatic late victory against Adelaide Strikers on Sunday.
Despite being eliminated, McSweeney praised Konstas.
“He is an exceptional batsman in all three formats,” he said.
“We’re great friends and he texted me right away congratulating me, which sums him up as a guy because he’s very humble and very generous.
“I wish him all the best and hope he does well.”