Australia’s new opener Sam Konstas doesn’t plan to throw himself into the Baggy Green’s nemesis-in-chief Jasprit Bumrah with too much study. Before arriving in Melbourne, the 19-year-old seemed to be doing well, putting on a brave face in all matters moving forward and growing like Bumrah.
Fox Cricket quoted Konstas as saying, “I won’t be watching (her) much.” “I have seen a lot of him. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts give a little feedback to each bowler. I can read that, maybe,” he said.
On his BBL debut on Saturday, Konstas was dismissed for nil in three balls after scoring 56 off 27 balls against the Adelaide Strikers. But all the excitement awaited him in Melbourne.
“I’m very excited. I want to challenge and I have some plans against India’s bowlers. I think I’m going really well so hopefully I’ll get that opportunity,” he told the media.
Fox Cricket recalled from the Canberra game that ‘Konstas will take a lot of confidence from his century against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, when India’s slips laughed at his shots.’ Bumrah was not part of that game.
Konstas carries all the positivity expected of a teenage debutante. “I’m very confident. I’ve worked hard just backing up my skills. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you always dream of the moment, and it’s so rare, your bag is green. Getting in. So it’s a huge honor if I get in,” he said.
The teenager, who will be in the MCG nets on Monday, said his family will be in Melbourne to cheer him on. “It was all a little unexpected, but very privileged to have the opportunity,” Konstas said. “I just had dinner with the family (to celebrate), very cold. It was emotional, mom was crying…everything happened so fast. Mom, Dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. It was very special to give something back to them. I can’t wait to support them in Melbourne. “
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