Australia’s newest Test addition Sam Konstas is all set for the challenge of facing the world’s best bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the first time as well. Notably, the 19-year-old has been added to the squad in place of the other opener Nathan McSweeney.
“I won’t watch too much [of Bumrah],” Konstas said. “I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe.”
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However, Sam Konstas was in the race along with McSweeney before the start of the series as he was in form for Australia A in the lead-up to the senior team’s test series as well. McSweeney was preferred for three Tests, but he failed to shine with the series-levelling at 1-1. Konstas will carry with him a lot of confidence of getting runs recently in the Sheffield Shield as well.
“I’m super confident. Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it’s a huge honour if I do get in. It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity. I just had dinner with the family [to celebrate], pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying … Everything has happened so fast. Mum and dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. Just to give something back to them was very special. I can’t wait to have them in Melbourne for support,” Sam Konstas concluded.