Sam Konstas will adapt on his first Test tour of Sri Lanka but vows to be himself after brilliant debut against India

The role teenage sensation Sam Konstas will play in Sri Lanka is yet to be determined, but he knows just what he’ll do when he gets his chance.

Sam Konstas knows he’s going to Sri Lanka but doesn’t yet know what his role could be during the two-Test series where he’ll get his first taste of subcontinental conditions, vowing to “keep backing myself” as varying opinions emerge after his electric entry to international cricket.

The 19-year-old belted another BBL half-century for the Sydney Thunder on Monday night, one of a bevy of Test guns given the green light to get some T20 batting done before a pre-series camp in the United Arab Emirates where wickets will mimic the likely spin-friendly pitches in Galle.

Konstas made 53 runs off 42 balls in his team’s crucial win over the Scorchers, becoming just the second player in BBL history to record more than one score of 50 or more before reaching 20 years of age.

That was impressive from the 19-year-old 👏

Here's all the highlights from Sam Konstas' 52 against the Scorchers. #BBL14pic.twitter.com/24ttpVlE1D

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 13, 2025

Making waves is what Konstas has done since reverse ramping the world’s best bowler, India’s Jasprit Bumrah, on Test debut at the MCG. While that method has been questioned as an ongoing tactic by the likes of former Australian captains Mark Taylor and Ricky Ponting, the teenager said he would continue to do what worked best for him and any teams he was in.

“I feel like I’ll just keep backing myself. Obviously, I’m going to adapt with my different methods,” he said, well aware going abroad as an international player for the first time would bring about challenges different to those experienced at home against India.

“It’s going to be completely different with the crowds, obviously.

“It was the first time playing with big crowds and maybe the emotions got to me a bit, reflecting on it. But obviously Sri Lanka are going to be tough to beat in their home conditions. I’m looking forward to that.”

“It’s obviously a huge honour representing my country and touring to Sri Lanka. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and I’m keen to learn and get better.

“Obviously, we’ve got a strong squad. If I do get the opportunity (to open), hopefully I’ll take it with both hands.”

When Sam Konstas ramped Jasprit Bumrah three times in an over 🔥#AUSvIND | https://t.co/FbUhjSXNB2pic.twitter.com/Lwjil3nrOr

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 9, 2025

The role Konstas will play in the two Tests in Galle remains unclear, even to him, with suggestions Travis Head could open the batting with Usman Khawaja, having done so with success in India in 2023.

“They (selectors) haven’t said anything,” Konstas said.

“I’m just focusing on tonight (the Thunder’s win). We had a good win and we’re off to the Sixers. I’m just being in the present moment and trying to score some runs.”

Konstas will turn out one last time for the finals-bound Thunder in the local derby with the Sydney Sixers this Friday before flying out to Australia’s training camp in the UAE.

Originally published as Sam Konstas will adapt on his first Test tour of Sri Lanka but vows to be himself after brilliant debut against India