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.
India’s attack in Canberra resembled the closest thing Konstas has seen to a Test squad, with Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja all playing. But the one tourist missing from that match was Bumrah, the man who has caused Australia the most pain this summer.
While Konstas has carried all before him in domestic cricket this summer, Bumrah is officially the most damaging tourist to hit Australia’s shores. He now holds the best bowling average for any overseas player in the country who’s taken more than 50 wickets, with Bumrah now having claimed 53 at 17.15 across three tours.
It means Konstas could have the toughest possible initiation into Test cricket, against Bumrah in front of a sold-out crowd and on an MCG pitch with plenty of life this summer.
But the 19-year-old said he would not overthink the situation.
“I won’t watch too much (of him),” Konstas said. “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 said he would also take a lot of confidence from his century against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, when India’s slips were caught laughing at his shots.
“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.”
Told by chief selector George Bailey on Friday he was in the team, Konstas heard from Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald on Saturday. Axed opener Nathan McSweeney was also among the first to congratulate him, along with NSW teammate Steve Smith.
Konstas celebrated his inclusion with a family dinner on Friday night, before being brought back down to earth with a duck in the Big Bash on Saturday night. The teenager flew to Melbourne on Sunday morning, ahead of his maiden training session with the Test team on Monday.
“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.
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“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.”
Photograph: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Beau Webster’s first stint in the Australian squad has been “intoxicating”, making the versatile allrounder even more determined to wear the baggy green.
The 31-year-old is in reach of a Test debut, being part of Australia’s extended squad for three-straight matches.
Webster, who has been one of the most consistent and outstanding players in the Sheffield Shield for the past three seasons, has lapped up every moment of being in the Australian set-up.
“Being in that Test buzz is really intoxicating,” Webster said. “I’m watching Travis Head out there smacking it to all parts, the boys taking wickets and celebrating, and it makes me jealous, I want to be out there.
“I think every cricketer who is on the fringe will be thinking the same thing, it’s a wonderful and strong group, to be a part of that even as a drinks carrier is great and if I did play a game I’d be over the moon.”
Webster is the next man in should reigning Allan Border medallist Mitch Marsh have further issues with his body. After bowling 17 overs in Perth, back issues have restricted Marsh to a combined six overs during the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests.