Aussie cricket phenom Sam Konstas makes bold Test declaration after India take down

The brightest batting prospect in the country has made his intentions clear – he’s not just ready for Test cricket, he wants that baggy green as soon as possible.

Budding teen opener Sam Konstas doesn’t just think he’s ready for Test cricket. He wants to wear the baggy green as soon as possible.

Following an impressive century in the PMs XI tour game against India, Konstas threw his name to the top of the pecking order as the next man up for the Australian Test side.

Given the volatility of the Australian batting line-up after their humbling first Test defeat to India in Perth, there is an appetite for change if the trend continues during the second match of the series in Adelaide.

And the 19-year-old placed his hat and more into the ring on Wednesday morning.

“I really want the chance,” Konstas said. “I love being challenged and hopefully (playing for Australia) can happen soon.

“I feel like (I’m) in a good headspace. It’s probably been the best few months I’ve had and hopefully one day I can represent my country.”

Sam Konstas has declared he is ready for Test cricket. Picture: AFP

It’s been a whirlwind six months for Konstas who has gone from a future star of Australian cricket to right in the mix to play for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

After centuries in back-to-back innings for NSW in the Sheffield Shield, he earned selection for the Australia A series against India A. And while he didn’t quite get the runs he wanted at that level, he bounced back in Canberra during the PMs XI match with 107 off 97 balls.

What made the knock even more impressive was that it came against the pink ball with an Indian bowling attack that included Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja.

“It was a huge honour representing the PMs XI against the best, India, and it was a challenge and good to get a few runs to help the team,” he said.

“I think (it’s) just backing my game and trusting it. I was there for a reason and tried to be present in the moment. India, they’re very feisty and get in the contest, so I think just challenging my skill set and trying to be the best version of myself.”

Konstas can count on some of the greatest Australian players of recent times as his mentors to help him get to this point.

Former Test opener Shane Watson is one of his closest confidants, offering advice on dealing with the mental side of the game and focusing on team performances. While the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner have also imparted advice to the newest NSW batting prodigy.

“When I was younger, I was probably overanalysing stuff with my technique,” Konstas said. “So it’s trusting the process and bring the best version every ball.

“Steve Smith has been texting me congratulating me…(Dave Warner) is a legend of the game…and telling me about the Indian bowlers, how they bowl.

“Steve was an idol, and Shane Watson. The way they go about their game, they’re match winners and hopefully one day I can do that.”

Nathan McSweeney (L) was given the Test opening spot for the start of the India series ahead of Sam Konstas (R). Picture: AFP

The only phone call Konstas hasn’t received at this stage has been from Australian head coach, Andrew McDonald.

“Not yet, but hopefully go well (in the Sheffield Shield) on Friday and then we’ve got Big Bash stuff ahead,” Konstas said. “So, we’ll see what happens.”

But as the runs continue to flow for Konstas, the only thing that’s matched them has been his maturity off the field. That includes being a teenager who only created social media accounts a few weeks ago — “I think it’s just for promoting my sponsors and that’s about it,” he said.

And despite constantly being in the headlines and linked to a baggy green, he always prefers focusing on the next game at hand.

“It’s a huge honour representing my state or the country,” Konstas said. “I think I’ve got great mentors in who I play with and the way I’m learning. I’m doing something that I enjoy and I’m very fortunate.”

Originally published as Aussie cricket phenom Sam Konstas makes bold Test declaration after India take down