Australia’s rookie opener Sam Konstas has a plan to combat Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, but he doesn’t want to give too much away three days out from his likely Test debut on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old was called into the Australian squad as a replacement for Nathan McSweeney, as the Australian selectors look for a more aggressive partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
Konstas told a press pack of around 50 reporters and crew in Melbourne on Monday he has some idea of how to counter Bumrah, who has taken 21 wickets in the series.
“I do, I’m not going to say what it is, just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers,” he said, adding he’s looking at it as just another game of cricket.
“Pretty simple, just back myself and see-ball, hit-ball really.”
The meteoric rise of the St George junior appeared to stall after Australia A matches in Mackay and at the MCG six weeks ago which delivered three failures.
But he recovered for a 73 not out in the second match in Melbourne, then was in the runs again for the PM’s XI in Canberra and for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield in subsequent weeks.
“I don’t get too fazed, I think every opportunity I get, I’m just trying to put my best foot forward and score runs,” he said, adding that his mentor Shane Watson has already given him some advice: “Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless.”
Fast bowler and NSW teammate Sean Abbott – who is in the squad as injury back-up – said he has enjoyed playing with him.
“If he gets the chance to play, turn the stump mics up when he’s in at short leg, because he’s got some good bantz [banter],” he said. “He’s a funny young kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about it.”
Konstas only turned 19 in October, and averages 42 in first class cricket from just 11 matches.
“It does not bother him who he’s coming up against,” Abbott said. “The other day we were playing against Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, who’ve got a fair bit of experience. He was pretty unfazed and I’d imagine, should he get the opportunity [in Melbourne], it’d be pretty similar.”
While Konstas is in the squad as one of only two specialist openers, he has not yet officially been named in the XI for Boxing Day.
The Australians have training on Monday before a main session on Christmas Eve, after which selectors will finalise the team.
All-rounder Beau Webster has also elevated into the squad, and could be called on due to Mitch Marsh’s inability to bowl long spells.
Webster was playing coy as to his chances. “Obviously we’ve already got it an all-rounder here, he’s still in that spot,” he said. “I’m just here to cover the big fella [Marsh], in case something goes wrong.”
