Youngster Sam Konstas is set to get a taste of the Boxing Day Test match against India, which starts on December 26. Konstas, who replaced Nathan McSweeney in the Australian side, has a great reputation as one of the most exciting talents in the world. Australian domestic competition.
Konstas improved his stock in Australian cricket astronomically when he hit a superb hundred against India A in the pink-ball tour match before the Adelaide Test match. Konstas was the side’s lone warrior and troubled every Indian bowler.
Speaking about the build-up to the Test match, the youngster said he was confident and would back his skills if given a debut in the coveted Boxing Day Test match.
“I have a lot of confidence,” he told Fox Sports. “Just to support my skills, I did all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a child you always dreamed of the moment, and it is very rare, to open your wide to get green. So it is a great honor if I step in.”
The batsman was specifically asked about Bumrah, who has been in sensational form in this series. Konstas said he was not worried about the Indian pacer as he had seen him play so many times.
“It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to have this opportunity,” Konstas said. “I just had dinner with the family (to celebrate), quite chilly. It was emotional, mom was crying… Everything happened so quickly,” Konstas said.
The batsman spoke about his family and how his loved ones reacted to the Test call. Konstas said everything was sudden and it was quite an emotional moment for his family.
“Mum and Dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through the highs and lows. Just giving back to them was really special. I can’t wait to have them in Melbourne for support,” he added.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Full Coverage
WHO IS SAM KONSTAS?
Sam Konstas was called up for the Pink Ball Tour match against India after just five first-class matches. The right-hander rose to fame after his double hundred against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield series. Konstas achieved a remarkable feat by scoring two centuries against South Australia, a feat that has drawn comparisons with some of the biggest names in Australian cricket history.
The young batsman has already been compared to the legendary Ricky Ponting by New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd.
“I think I may have used that on a few players along my journey and called them the ‘little Punter’… It just alludes again to his (Konstas’ potential),” the NSW coach said of the batsman.
Konstas’ innings was nothing short of spectacular. In his first innings he scored 152 runs, marking his maiden first-class century. This was followed by an equally impressive 105 runs in the second innings as New South Wales took control of the match at Cricket Central. His total of 257 runs in the match is the highest for an under-20 batsman in the Sheffield Shield, surpassing the previous record held by Doug Walters, who scored 253 runs in a single innings 60 years ago.
This achievement puts Konstas in the company of cricketing legends. He is the youngest player since Ricky Ponting in 1992 to score centuries in both innings of a Sheffield Shield match. Ponting, who went on to have an illustrious Test career with 168 appearances, achieved the feat at the age of 18 years and 85 days.
Konstas’ performances have highlighted not only his technical skills, but also his mental toughness and adaptability. In his second innings he faced different bowling schemes from the South Australian team, including wider deliveries, but he adapted his approach effectively, showing a mix of precision driving and aggressive play when necessary. His innings included 13 boundaries and four sixes, with a remarkable slog sweep taking him to his historic hundred.
KONSTAS’ HUNDRED vs INDIA A
19 years old Sam Konstas had a burning century in Canberra on Sunday in Australia’s PM XI’s match against India. Konstas, who opened the innings for his team, counter-attacked India’s bowlers, hitting them mainly through the leg side as the wickets fell on the other side.
Konstas, who was pipped as David Warner’s replacement before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, showed his quality against the pink ball. The opener took on Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna and dominated them after the first hour of play. Konstas brought up his century in just 90 balls as wickets fell from the other end.
Konstas hit 14 boundaries and a six on his way to his century. The batsman opened the innings for Australia in overcast conditions and remained steady at one end as the hosts lost two quick wickets to Matt Renshaw and Jayden Goodwin.
After a difficult first 10 overs, Konstas started to cut loose alongside Jack Clayton and added more than 100 runs. After Clayton fell, Konstas continued his barrage of impressive shots as Australia saw a mini-collapse at the other end.
The batsman was eventually bowled out for 107 off 97 balls in the 38th over of the 205-run match against Australia. He was Australia’s 78th wicket to fall.
Published by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
December 22, 2024
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