Sam Konstas will become Australia’s fourth-youngest Test debutant on Boxing Day after coach Andrew McDonald confirmed he would replace Nathan McSweeney at the top of the order.
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Heat dials up with Sam Konstas to be thrown into MCG cauldron at Boxing Day Test | Geoff Lemon
The 19-year-old opener will get his chance against India but have the most fearsome introduction with Jasprit Bumrah firing on all cylinders
Before Christmas has even hit, there is more anticipation about Boxing Day than usual, in more ways than one. Australia and India sit at 1-1 with two Tests to play, the first at the MCG where India won on their last two tours. The ticketing forecast says it will be a full house, the weather forecast says it will hit 40C, and while the latter may suppress the former, it’s the first time that all tickets have been claimed since the Ashes match of 2013. Amidst all this stands a Test debut opening the batting for a 19-year-old, with Sam Konstas’ spot in the XI confirmed on Tuesday by Australia coach Andrew McDonald.
Older generations will remember Doug Walters debuting at 19, and some would remember Neil Harvey doing the same. There have been a few modern bolters at young ages, like Ashton Agar or Matthew Renshaw, and Konstas will have the benefit of a captain in Pat Cummins who debuted at 18. In terms of substantial modern batting careers, though, Konstas most brings to mind Phillip Hughes, who was playing Sheffield Shield cricket by 18, and Ricky Ponting who did the same at 17. Both were in the Test team by 20.
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‘Super confident’: teen sensation Sam Konstas primed for Jasprit Bumrah duel in Boxing Day Test
As a Test debut looms on cricket’s biggest stage, Australia’s 19-year-old opener says he is excited to test his skills against India’s fast bowling maestro
Sam Konstas won’t overload on watching videos of Jasprit Bumrah ahead of his likely Boxing Day Test debut, as he prepares to face India’s pace maestro for the first time.
Konstas blasted 107 from 97 balls against India three weeks ago, helping open the door for his call-up to Australia’s Test squad in place of Nathan McSweeney.
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