Sam Konstas in their squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, 2024. This marks Konstas’ maiden call-up to the national team, making him one of the youngest players to debut for Australia in Test cricket1.
SOURCE : ZEE
Born on October 2, 2005, Sam Konstas is a top-order batter who plays domestic cricket for New South Wales. His rapid rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. In early October 2024, Konstas scored two centuries during a Sheffield Shield match against South Africa, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat since Ricky Ponting in 19931. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Australia A team to face India A in unofficial Tests.
Source:- bbc news
Although Konstas endured scores of 0 and 16 in the first unofficial Test, he bounced back with an unbeaten 73 in the second innings of the second Test against India A. His recent form has been outstanding, with an 88-run knock in a Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia and a 20-ball half-century on his Big Bash League (BBL) debut for Sydney Thunder against Adelaide Strikers2. This half-century made him the youngest player to score a fifty on BBL debut.
Konstas’ inclusion in the Test squad comes after the exclusion of struggling opener Nathan McSweeney, who managed only 72 runs across six innings at an average of 14.40 in the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Australian selectors have opted for a fresh approach, hoping Konstas’ style of batting will provide a point of difference against India’s bowling attack1.
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in Konstas’ abilities, stating, “Sam’s method and style are different from Nathan’s, and we believe he can offer something different to our top order.” Bailey also acknowledged the challenges faced by the top order throughout the series and emphasized the need for a different lineup for the remaining two matches1.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is set to be a thrilling encounter, with the series currently level at 1-1. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs, while Australia clinched a 10-wicket victory in the second Test in Adelaide2. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw due to rain, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming match.
As Konstas prepares for his debut, the cricketing world eagerly awaits to see how the young prodigy performs on the grand stage. His journey from domestic cricket to international recognition is a testament to his talent and determination. With the support of his teammates and fans, Sam Konstas is poised to make a significant impact in the world of cricket.
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