Opinion: The bravas of 19yo cricket sensation Sam Konastas is proving the kids are alright

The audacity and theatre of 19yo cricketer Sam Konstas proves all is not lost when it comes to our young people.

The audacious, brow-raising actions of a teenager made headlines in Melbourne for something other than a carjacking this week, how refreshing!

While many young men would have still been asleep on Boxing Day morning, 19-year-old cricket prodigy Sam Konstas was producing pure theatre opening the batting for Australia on debut at the MCG.

The 19-year-old from NSW, picked to play on cricket’s biggest day, oozed confidence and gusto as he faced the first ball of the iconic Test, took on the Indian bowling attack including whacking 18 off a single Jasprit Bumrah over, the series’ leading bowler and gestured to the enthralled crowd to make some noise and get behind him.

He’d also stand his ground when confronted by global superstar Virat Kohli who tried to petulantly intimidate the first gamer in scenes which should earn him a spell on the sidelines.

Konstas stood his ground when confronted by global superstar Virat Kohli who tried to petulantly intimidate the first gamer. Picture: 7News

After making a half century on debut, Constas waltzed up to the Fox Cricket cameras, during a drinks break, and was interviewed, declaring his hopes for another spell from Bumrah. Bring it on! He said as much, although his actions were louder than any words.

The nation collectively sighed when he was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja, bringing a dazzling 60-run innings, off 65 balls, to a close. The most exciting morning of the Boxing Day Test in recent memory had ended as quickly as it started.

Shortly after, Konstas would emerge in the players race happily posing for selfies and signing autographs for a legion of fans growing by the minute.

This has to be one of the most sensational first mornings for a Test cricketer ever. Played one of the most audacious debut innings, took down the best fast bowler in the world & is busy signing autographs & clicking selfies before the lunch break. Sam Konstas you beauty #AusvIndpic.twitter.com/wjzRQH8Vxi

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 26, 2024

Meanwhile, in backyards right around Australia, kids suddenly had a new cricket hero to emulate as they attempted to reverse ramp, with little consideration for windows or fences, just like the country’s new big thing.

It’s all fun and games until junior cricket returns and coaches, intent on teaching the game the traditional way, are faced with a crop of mini Konstases.

Confident, brimming with a self-belief not to be mistaken for arrogance, energetic and with a willingness to embracing the moment, Konstas immediately added a big breath of fresh air to an Australian team that is hardly bursting with endearing, fascinating characters.

There’s a lot to be said about giving a youngster a crack and sometimes before they’re ready. Their body of work is a work in progress but a desire to repay the faith is evident.

There’s a lot to be said about giving a youngster a crack and sometimes before they’re ready. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Twenty years ago, this columnist was an unworldly 17-year-old from Ballarat who, having just finished high school, landed a cadetship at a country Victorian newspaper thanks to an editor who saw a passion for journalism, and a very green skill-set, and was prepared to give me a go. The opportunity never forgotten.

Australian selectors picked Konstas as a point of difference with his natural, positive, attacking game and he walked the walk after talking the talk about his batting plan in the media rounds pre-Christmas.

His attitude and approach was infectious, with opening partner and veteran Usman Khawaja benefiting at the other end with some of his best shot play of the series which led him to a 27th Test half century just after lunch on Day 1.

The exuberance of youth isn’t for everyone and can often come across as arrogant and down right annoying to the older and sometimes cynical.

There’s something invigorating about this attitude and generation. May the Sam Konstases embrace their natural flair in sporting arenas and workplaces in 2025. Picture: Michael Klein

Fans of the teams these young guns represent generally like the cut of their jib, but it does so often ruffle the opposition’s feathers even if there is a touch of envy.

Take the young Hawthorn team of 2024 who, after a 0-5 start to the AFL season, went on a thrilling run to finals with their brand of football better known as Hokball, creative goal celebrations, cheeky poked tongues and celebratory on-ground selfies.

The Hawks became box-office viewing and anticipation surrounds their 2025 campaign and just what they might produce.

Upstarts? Maybe. Embracing who they are while doing what they love? Absolutely.

This new breed hits different, as the kids say. They are confident, they believe in themselves and their ability and they’re not afraid to say it or post about it. They don’t play a straight bat, they embrace the fanfare and hype, they welcome the media and spotlight unlike a lot of their predecessors. Dustin Martin they are not.

There’s something invigorating about this attitude and generation. May the Sam Konstases embrace their natural flair in sporting arenas and workplaces in 2025.

The kids are alright.

Megan Hustwaite is a sports broadcaster, journalist and fan of swashbuckling batsmen

Originally published as Opinion: The bravas of 19yo cricket sensation Sam Konastas is proving the kids are alright