All eyes on sam konstas: 'I'm mentally prepared for the test cricket showdown!'
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Australian rising star Sam Konstas is fired up and ready to take on the challenge of Test cricket this summer, declaring that his mindset is in the perfect place to make his much-anticipated debut for Australia. The 19-year-old has been making waves in domestic cricket, having scored two sensational centuries for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, placing him firmly in the conversation for national team selection. However, the selectors went with Nathan McSweeney for the vacant opener’s role against India. Despite the snub, Konstas remained undeterred, continuing to showcase his talent with a stellar performance against India’s world-class attack, notching up another century in the Prime Minister's XI match. “I really want that opportunity. I love the challenge, and I’m confident it’ll come soon. I’m in a great headspace right now, and these past few months have been the best of my career. I’m ready to take the next step and hopefully represent my country soon,” Konstas told The Australian.
Konstas has been on fire, especially in the 50-over pink-ball warm-up match at Manuka Oval, where he tore into India’s bowling attack with a dazzling 107 off 96 balls, including Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. This performance comes on the back of his composed 73* against India A at the MCG last month. Now, the young gun is setting his sights on the upcoming Shield clash, where he will face a Western Australian bowling line-up expected to feature the likes of Lance Morris and Joel Paris. “It’s all about focusing on Friday’s game against Western Australia. I’m looking to score big and keep pushing myself forward. Representing my country would be a huge honor,” he said, as he gears up for another test of his credentials. The second Test between Australia and India kicks off on Friday at Adelaide Oval, and Konstas is hoping his relentless pursuit of runs and form will soon earn him the chance to don the Australian jersey.
