New Delhi: Young Australian batter Sam Konstas on Saturday revealed how his parents turned emotional upon hearing the news of his selection for the Australian men’s cricket team in the last two Test matches in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
The 19-year-old batter from New South Wales was among the couple of changes made by Cricket Australia in the 15-member squad for the last two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, which will decide the fate of the five-match series.
On the sidelines of the Sydney Derby in the ongoing Big Bash League 2024-25, Konstas was asked about his reaction for his maiden call-up to the Australian side. He told the official broadcasters:
“I was actually in the nets and I got the call from [head selector] George Bailey. He told me I was in the Test squad. I was so thrilled. I called my parents straight away. They were very emotional. Hopefully I meet the team tomorrow and go from there.”
“Mum was in tears. I was telling her not to cry and Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey, all the ups and downs, very grateful for their sacrifice. They’ve been great support to me.”
“Mum was in tears, I was trying not to cry.”
Beautiful stuff from Sam Konstas ❤️#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/d3tz70y4Yy
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 21, 2024
Can Sam Konstas find his place in Australian XI for MCG Test
Konstas has played 11 first-class matches for New South Wales in Australian domestic matches, having made 718 runs in 18 innings at an average of 42.23 with the help of two centuries and three fifties. There is a very fair chance for the NSW player to earn a Test debut in the Boxing-Day Test given the exclusion of South Australian batter Nathan McSweeney after scoring 72 runs in three games at 14.40.
“Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats and he actually congratulated me this morning. We’re very close mates and I wish him all the best,” Konstas talked about his bond with his South Australian counterpart.
Konstas could be tasked out to open the innings with Usman Khawaja and face the new ball from fiery Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Australia can also consider Josh Inglis for the opener’s role as he’s been with the squad as the backup batter.
New Delhi: Young Australian batter Sam Konstas on Saturday revealed how his parents turned emotional upon hearing the news of his selection for the Australian men’s cricket team in the last two Test matches in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The 19-year-old batter from New South Wales was among the couple of changes made Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
