Sam Konstas - Young Gun Set to Face Test Against Jasprit Bumrah in Boxing Day Test

Sam Konstas is the latest sensation for Australia in Test cricket, and this 19-year-old man is all set to face one of the most crucial moments of his career. In yet another test, Konstas looks for his first outing at Melbourne's fabled Boxing Day Test venue and so far, the prospect of bowling against India's ace paceman, Jasprit Bumrah would be yet a gigantic challenge. His recent winning of a Test ticket has come as a challenge to the young opener Konstas, who was drafted into the Australian Test side in place of Nathan McSweeney when cricket came into life for him, for all eternity.

A Dream Opportunity Beckons

Konstas feels exhilarated at being called up to the national team. On that day, he had to say: "It was all a bit unexpected, but I feel very privileged to get this opportunity." This news came quietly with quiet celebrations at home. His family dinner turned out to be a moment of gratitude and reflection.

It was emotional—mum was crying. Everything has happened so fast. My parents and brothers have sacrificed so much, from taking me to training to throwing me balls in the backyard. This moment is as much theirs as it is mine," Konstas said.
His family will travel all the way to Melbourne to watch him play, which would only add to the glory of the potential debut.

Konstas and the Bumrah Challenge

The Boxing Day Test may also pose a test for Konstas in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, regarded as the world's best bowler in Test cricket. He has been a nightmare for Australia's top order with 21 wickets in three Tests this series and an extraordinary average of 10.90. He has already dismissed 10 of Australia's designated top three – Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne-and looms as the ultimate test for the young debutant.

However, Konstas is unruffled. He accepts the challenge but prefers his preparation to be simple. "I won't watch too much [footage of Bumrah]. I have already seen him a lot. Usually, our analysts provide feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe," he said.

Confidence exudes through Konstas after latest success in domestic cricket. Konstas had been scoring crucial runs, going about his task seriously in Sheffield Shield and was really on the tear in a pink-ball practice match against India for the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. He certainly missed that opportunity to get Bumrah but surely would have loved to test himself against this great pacer at MCG.

I'm very confident, he said. All the hard work is done. It's just another game, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you always dream of these moments. It's very rare to get your baggy green, and it would be a huge honor if I do get in.

A New Strategy for Australia

Konstas is part of a greater strategic shift for Australia. The series was leveled at 1-1 and the selectors of the team thought that the fresh energy and recent form of Konstas were more valuable than McSweeney, who failed to convert starts in the first three Tests.

Chief selector George Bailey hopes that Konstas' inclusion will bring a change of dynamics to Australia's top order, which is likely to ruffle feathers in India's well-oiled bowling attack.

Konstas, on the other hand wants to come at the game with clarity and composure. "Just backing my skills and keeping it simple is my mantra. It is about not overthinking and taking it one ball at a time," he stated.

A Balanced Perspective

While Konstas was willing to take the leap of faith, he is not cocky. The young cricketer has already indicated a balance between his optimism and prudence, as well, for his first game only marks one step on his very long cricketing way.

He wants to play the MCG Test like another game and then trust his preparation and the hard work that has taken him so far. The ability to maintain the focus while being in a noisy environment with weight of expectations may turn out to be one of his biggest strengths when he takes on the grand stage.

Behind the composed Konstas façade is a rock-solid family. The sacrifices and encouragement of his family have placed him on this path up to this moment, making his potential debut all the more meaningful.

"To give something back to them is very special," Konstas said. "Mum, Dad, and my brothers have been there through all the highs and lows. I can't wait to have them in Melbourne for support."

A Star in the Making

On the Boxing Day Test, all will watch Sam Konstas who seems to bring composure and confidence in a game he has looked very worth adding into the Australian team even if that is going by the recent form of his games. The baptism by fire, however, is before him when he is facing Jasprit Bumrah but will also present the chance to a young opener to unleash talent at one of the greatest cricketing stages.

Whether he succeeds or suffers on debut, there is already something about Konstas in that regard that has suggested he has the pluck and grit. Few 19-year-olds get to slip into the baggy green to face the world's best bowling and for Konstas it may yet be at the start of one of the biggest careers in cricket on an international level.