Sam Konstas has never been to a Boxing Day Test before, but the 19-year-old emerging superstar looks set to end that drought in a few days when he’ll walk out to the middle of the sold out MCG to open the batting in front of friends and family.
His phone has been running hot over the past 48 hours which ironically started with a missed call from chairman of selectors George Bailey who eventually got in touch to tell him that he was in the squad for the fourth Test against India.
Konstas was in the nets at the time preparing for the Sydney Smash, and while he was unable to back up his record-breaking knock on debut for the Thunder, a third-ball duck didn’t discourage the young gun who is taking everything in his stride.
Plenty of young athletes want to be shielded from the media at a time like this, but Konstas happily agreed to do TV, radio and print interviews during and after the thrilling loss to the Sixers to share just how emotional the previous 24 hours had been.
“I was just focused on this game, and then he (Bailey) called me after training I was like far out, I am in the squad,” Konstas said following the Thunder’s dramatic final-ball defeat.
“He said ‘congratulations, can’t wait to have you’. It’s an amazing opportunity, I have always dreamt about it. Hopefully I can debut in the Boxing Day Test.
“It was a bit unexpected. But very privileged to get the opportunity.
“I just had dinner with the family (on Friday) and it was pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying. I’m very stoked and can’t wait to meet the team tomorrow.
“Mum and dad and my brothers (I want to thank them for) 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.”
One man’s opportunity is another man’s heartbreak, with rookie Nathan McSweeney making way for Konstas after a lean start to his Test career batting out of position at the top of the order.
But there were no hard feelings from McSweeney who reached out immediately to wish Konstas all the best.
“He’s an outstanding batsman in all three formats,” he said.
“We are great mates and he texted me straight away congratulating me which sums him up as a bloke because he is so humble and very giving. I wished him all the best and hopefully he goes well.”
McSweeney wasn’t the only player to get in touch, with a couple of Australia’s senior figures calling him after the squad was announced.
“Pat Cummins called me this morning and the coach, and they’re going to talk about my role in the team in the next few days. And then Steve Smith congratulated me so I can’t wait to get amongst it,” Konstas said.
“I’m pretty chilled, I’ll be able to sleep and just rinse and repeat. Get my prep ready and see what happens if I am in the team.”
Konstas has enjoyed a breakout summer with twin tons for NSW in the Sheffield Shield as well as a century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India before he became the youngest player to score a BBL half-century.
He now must find a way to handle Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah who has tormented Australia this series, although he says he’s excited by the challenge and won’t do any extra video on the gifted quick.
The only thing he can do now is relax, stay focused and continue to do all the little things that put him in this position to play on the biggest day on the calendar.
“As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare getting your Baggy Green,” he said.
“So it’s a huge honour if I do get in the squad. Big crowd, sell out, different vibe really for my first opportunity.”
https://thewest.com.au/news/far-out-im-in-the-squad-inside-the-emotional-24-hours-for-sam-konstas-after-getting-the-call-every-young-cricketer-dreams-of-c-17165515
