Sam Konstas
Credit: ICC
Melbourne: A full-house at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day is a disconcerting thought in itself even for a seasoned cricketer, let alone a debutant. Add to it the prospect of facing the most dangerous bowler in the world at the moment. It can't get more intimidating. It's the proverbial baptism by fire, if you like.
Yet, Sam Konstas displays remarkable composure, suppressing any visible signs of anxiety and shares his thoughts with admirable poise.
"I do have a plan for Bumrah but I am not going to tell what it is. Trying to put pressure back on bowlers," said Konstas about facing Jasprit Bumrah as he fronted the media ahead of Australia's first practice session on Monday after the Brisbane Test.
Konstas replaced Nathan McSweeney who was dropped after a run of six successive low scores across three Tests. During this phase, the 25-year-old fell four times to Bumrah who has caused the maximum damage to the hosts with 21 wickets.
"I won't watch too much (of him)," Konstas said when asked if has been watching Bumrah's videos. "I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe."
Konstas gave a glimpse of his talent when he slammed 107 off 97 balls against the Indians in the pink-ball warm-up game in Canberra, representing PM's XI.
While Konstas can derive confidence from the fact that he faced all the visiting team's pacers except Bumrah during that flashy hundred, an Indian attack without the Gujarat fast bowler loses a significant edge.
"I'm super confident," he said. "Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it's a huge honour if I do get in."
The Test call-up amid preparations for Christmas celebration was an emotional moment for the 19-year-old whose mother broke down after the news of his selection.
"It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity," Konstas said. "I just had dinner with the family (to celebrate), pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying... Everything has happened so fast.
"Mum and dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. Just to give something back to them was very special. I can't wait to have them in Melbourne for support."