‘I’ve come a long way’: Sam Konstas returns to Australian Test team, inked and inspired

Bridgetown: Sam Konstas is back in the Australian Test team, eager to score big runs in the Caribbean and sporting a fresh tattoo on his right forearm.

At a relaxed media conference in Barbados, overlooking turquoise water behind the team’s beachside hotel, Konstas showed off his new ink to reporters.

“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas said. “I told my parents straight away that was going to do it, so no dramas there.”

About a fortnight after his whirlwind debut against India on Boxing Day, Konstas visited a tattoo parlour in Sydney’s south – “shoutout to Cronulla Ink” – and had the moment made permanent.

The 19-year-old is happy with the result but insists there won’t be any more tattoos for now. His only focus is runs and cementing his place at the top of the order before a blockbuster home Ashes series.

Australia took the unusual step of confirming six days out from the first Test against the West Indies that Marnus Labuschagne would be dropped, with Konstas and Josh Inglis to be brought in as Steve Smith recovers from a finger injury.

Konstas of Australia during a nets session at Lord’s. Credit: Getty Images

Konstas is expected to open alongside Usman Khawaja, although he added: “We’ll see what happens with where they bat me.”

After memorable Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Konstas said he was thrilled to be back in the team.

“Obviously, it’s a tough team to crack and [it has] got legends of the game in that team,” Konstas said. “Very excited for the opportunity and hopefully, I can grab it with both hands.

“I’ve been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked [other players in recent Tests]. I’m just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I’ve come a long way. Hopefully, I can display that in the next few Test matches.

Sam Konstas made a memorable debut in the Boxing Day Test against India.Credit: AP

“It’s a dream come true, to be honest. [To be] 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I’m lucky to be where I am.”

As Konstas prepares for a new chapter, Labuschagne is facing the unfamiliar reality of being dropped from the Test team for the first time since 2019.

Those close to him say he’s handled the setback as well as possible.

“He’s a great mentor of mine,” said Konstas of Labuschagne. “I’m pretty sure his average is [nearly] 50. Hopefully one day I can get there. I always go to him for advice.”

Australia Test opener Sam Konstas at the SCG. Credit: Steven Siewert

Australia will have two main training sessions on Saturday and Monday before the opening Test on Wednesday against a West Indies side battling for consistency.

Konstas’s all-out attacking approach and combative attitude in his first two matches against India prompted some to question whether his temperament was suited for Test cricket.

The teenager admits he got a bit carried away during his debut in Melbourne and the game after in Sydney, but says he’ll play more conventionally this time.

“I still can’t believe it. I don’t know what was going through my mind at that time,” Konstas said. “I thought it was right in the moment. It was good fun.

“The emotions probably got to me with the crowd. It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game. Hopefully we get to win the next Test match.

“I feel like I trust people that I work with and 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 obviously understand when to take the game on.

“To be honest, I know quite a few of the [West Indies] players, maybe half the team. When I’ve watched them, they’ve had brute pace, they’re very skilful, and I can’t wait for the challenge ahead.”

Former England captain and Fox Sports commentator Michael Vaughan likes the idea of Konstas at the top and Josh Inglis at No.3 against the West Indies.

“I think he’s been given a bit of a raw deal having to face Jasprit Bumrah on green tops to suddenly not playing in Sri Lanka and not playing in the World Test championship final,” said Vaughan ahead of the series, which will be shown on Kayo Sports and ESPN.

“He seems to be a kid that just can cope with things. He’s a hell of a character and he was the story of the summer. He hasn’t played since. It is a little bit strange.

“Someone like Josh Inglis ... if I was an Australia selector, I’d want in my team. He’s a wonderful player. I think he’s got a game that can play anywhere. He could quite easily bat at three.”