Ready with plan to tackle Jasprit Bumrah, says Sam Konstas

19-year-old Australian Sam Konstas prepares to face Jasprit Bumrah in Boxing Day test, aiming to be the aggressor.

An air of expectation swirled around Sam Konstas. The 19-year-old was part excitement, and part nervous energy. Understandable as he is all set for his international debut in the fourth Test commencing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground here on Thursday (December 26, 2024).

In a chat with the media on Monday (December 23, 2024), he was asked about whether he saw tapes of Jasprit Bumrah. Dealing with the verbal bouncer, the youngster had his counter ready: “No, not really. I watched a bit but I am just trying to be in the moment and hopefully I will get the opportunity of playing him.”

Later when pressed on probable strategies against the Indian spearhead, the opener offered a straight bat: “I do (have plans), I am not going to say what it is, but it is just about trying to put pressure back on the bowlers.” Once Australia’s optional nets started, Konstas practised what he preached and essayed a range of shots against Marnus Labuschagne’s throw-downs and occasional spin.

Cutting back to the press-conference, Konstas gave a hat-tip to his idol Shane Watson: “I admire Shane Watson a lot. He is a legend of the game. (Like him) I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers and hopefully I can do that this week if I (make my) debut.”

Reacting to the big break while he is yet to turn 20, the batter quipped: “This is an amazing opportunity at my age. Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in and this feels like family. This is a dream-come-true and I feel pretty relaxed and am living in the moment.”