- Sam Konstas could make his Australia debut in the Boxing Day Test
- The 19-year-old was called up to the Australian test squad last week
It has been a hugely emotional week for 19-year-old superstar Sam Konstas after being called up to the Australian Test team.
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 turned out for the Thunder in the BBL Sydney derby this weekend ahead of this week’s Boxing Day Test.
He walked out to open alongside experienced Test batsman David Warner but was bowled out by Akeal Hosein for a third-ball duck after smashing his way to 56 on debut against the Strikers last week.
Although it was a disappointing result for Konstas on the eve of a potential Test debut, the 19-year-old was brimming with excitement about last week’s call-up.
During the match with Fox Cricket, Konstas revealed that his phone had not stopped ringing for 48 hours after he received a call from Test selector George Bailey while he was in the nets.
Sam Konstas has opened up his whirlwind week of receiving his first call-up to the Australian Test squad
Konstas has enjoyed excellent form recently in the run-up to his selection, but was dismissed for a duck during Sunday’s BBL match against the Sixers.
“I was just focused on this game, and then he (Bailey) called me after practice. “I was far away, I’m in the team,” he said.
‘He said, “Congratulations, I can’t wait to welcome you.” It’s a great opportunity, I’ve always dreamed of it. Hopefully I can make my debut in the Boxing Day Test.
‘It was a bit unexpected. But I am very privileged to have this opportunity.’
Konstas powered his way to a century during the Prime Minister’s recent victory over India.
He followed that 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 years old 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 past few days have been like for him.
‘It was emotional, mum 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 ‘privileged’ to be included in the squad
Nathan McSweeney has been dropped in place of Konstas but wished the 19-year-old ‘all the best’ before claiming he was an ‘excellent batsman’
Konstas also became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match in October
“Mom and Dad and my brothers (I want to thank them for) all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows.
‘Just to give something back was very special. I can’t wait to have them in Melbourne for support.”
A star in the making, Konstas also became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match in October.
‘Are [Konstas’] style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to seeing his game develop further,” said Bailey when speaking about the decision to use 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 sad to be dropped from the Test squad for this week’s match and responded by hitting an unbeaten 78 to guide Brisbane Heat to a dramatic late win against Adelaide Strikers on Sunday.
Despite being ousted, McSweeney praised Konstas.
“He is an excellent batsman in all three formats,” he said.
“We are great friends and he immediately sent me a text congratulating me, which describes him as a guy because he is so humble and very giving.
‘I wished him all the best and hopefully he will do well.’