Australia v India: Sam Konstas reveals message of congratulations from Nathan McSweeney

Sam Konstas says he’s ready for the challenge of facing Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah and revealed the message he received from axed batter Nathan McSweeney after being named in the Test squad.

Sam Konstas has revealed he received a message of congratulations from ousted batter Nathan McSweeney as he prepares for a likely Boxing Day Test debut.

The 19-year-old, who replaced McSweeney in the Australian squad for Melbourne, is poised to debut in front of a sold out MCG unless selectors opt for Josh Inglis or Beau Webster.

“Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats. He actually congratulated me this morning. We’re very close mates and I wish him all the best,” Konstas told Fox Cricket on Saturday night.

Konstas was in the nets when he received a call from George Bailey that has put him within reach of completing a stunning ascension to the highest level.

Nathan McSweney and Sam Konstas after batting together for Australia A.

“It would be a huge honour debuting – a dream come true. I think it’s a sell out already. I think family and friends will be there as well,” he said.

Australia’s top-order has been tormented by Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah throughout the series, who had a stranglehold on David Warner’s replacement McSweeney.

But Konstas said he was ready to meet the challenge of facing the world’s best bowler head on.

“I’m very excited. I want to be challenged. I’ve got my few plans against those bowlers. Feeling like I am moving really nice and hopefully I get that opportunity,” he said.

Konstas, who has averaged 42.2 from 11 first-class matches for New South Wales, said he would meet Mitch Marsh for the first time when he arrives in camp.

A century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI from 97 balls against an attack which included Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep helped seal Konstas’ call up.

McSweeney and Konstas batting together at the MCG.

He said “time will tell” whether he brings the same flamboyance which marked his dashing BBL debut onto the Test stage.

“I am not going to say too much. I am just going to react to the ball and show a bit of intent and put pressure back on the bowlers,” he said.

Four days after scoring Sydney Thunder’s fastest 50 on his BBL debut, Konstas was dismissed without scoring on Saturday by West Indian spinner Akeal Hosein.

Originally published as Australia v India: Sam Konstas reveals message of congratulations from Nathan McSweeney