Sam Konstas looking forward to challenging himself against Jasprit Bumrah

Australia’s rookie batter Sam Konstas has received his maiden call-up in the Australian Test squad and he is already looking forward to challenging himself against India’s gun pacer Jasprit Bumrah. With Australia dropping Nathan McSweeney from their squad, it is highly likely that Konstas will make his Test debtu at the MCG.

The 19-year-old scored a fine hundred (107) against India in the pink-ball warm-up match for Prime Ministers XI. The youngster also scored an impressive knock of 88 runs for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield and thus he is in good form.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah is breathing fire in the ongoing series as he has scalped 21 wickets in three Test matches at an average of 10.90.

“I won’t watch too much [of Bumrah],” 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 is confident of doing well on his debut against India and said it will be his honour if he gets his baggy green.

“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 young lad expressed gratitude to his parents for providing him with all the support to earn his maiden call-up.

“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,” Konstas said.

“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,” he added.

The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26th December.