Australian opener Sam Konstas adamant he’s improved since Boxing Day bonanza
Australian opener Sam Konstas feels like his cricket has “come a long way” since his unforgettable Test debut at the MCG.
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Australian opener Sam Konstas feels like his cricket has “come a long way” since his unforgettable Test debut at the MCG, but the teenager doesn’t feel the need to prove his critics wrong in the Caribbean this week.
Last summer, the 19-year-old announced himself to the cricket world with a whirlwind half-century against India on Boxing Day, repeatedly ramping speedster Jasprit Bumrah in front of 87,242 fans.
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However, he was dropped ahead of Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka in February, also missing selection for the recent World Test Championship final defeat to South Africa at Lord’s.
On Friday, Cricket Australia confirmed Konstas would be recalled for the series opener against the West Indies in Barbados, with the injured Steve Smith and the underperforming Marnus Labuschagne slipping out of the starting XI.
Speaking to reporters in Barbados on Saturday, Konstas confessed he felt “very grateful” for another opportunity in the national side, adding that he understood why he was omitted for Australia’s three previous Tests.
“It’s been good training with the whole group and getting to know everyone a lot more,” Konstas said.
“Obviously it’s a tough team to crack into as we’ve got legends of the game.
“For me, hopefully I grab my opportunity because it’s such a strong side and I’m very grateful for that.
“It’s a dream come true to be honest, 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world.
“I’m very lucky to be where I am currently.”
Konstas’ combative Boxing Day blitz successfully tamed Bumrah, but the right-hander drew criticism for reckless dismissals throughout the remainder of the home summer.
Most notably when he was bowled by Victorian seamer Scott Boland in the third over of a Sheffield Shield match after attempting a slog-sweep.
Despite lingering concerns on whether he has the temperament required for Test cricket, Konstas is confident he has a better grasp on when to counterpunch with aggressive strokes and when to soak up pressure with a conventional approach.
“The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas said of his Boxing Day knock.
“It was good reflecting, having a bit of time off to strengthen my game up.
“I’ve been trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and I feel like I’ve come a long way, so hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.”
Asked whether he feels the need to prove he’s not a one-trick pony, Konstas responded: “I trust people that I work with, they understand my game. I’m not trying to prove to anyone how I’m going to play.
“I just want to be myself and understand when to take on the game and when to soak up the pressure to win games for Australia.”
Konstas got his Test cap number tattooed on his forearm in January, confessing he still occasionally watches clips of his MCG innings.
“To be honest, I’ve been watching it quite a bit. Some of my mates still send it to me,” he laughed.
“I still can’t believe it. I don’t know what was going through my mind at that time.”
The first Test between the West Indies and Australia gets underway at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval on Thursday at 12am AEST.
“I know quite a few of their players, maybe half of their team,” Konstas said of the West Indies.
“They’ve got brute pace, they’re very skilful.
“Can’t wait for the challenge.”
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