‘I’ve got goosebumps for him’: Jack Edwards says confidence won’t be an issue for Sam Konstas if he’s picked to debut on Boxing Day
Sam Konstas will have to deal with 90,000 fans and a quality Indian attack if he’s named to make his debut on Boxing Day, but a close mate says confidence won’t be an issue for the young opener.
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Jack Edwards says he has “goosebumps” for NSW teammate Sam Konstas and has backed the teenager to thrive on debut if he’s picked in the Australian side for the Boxing Day Test against India.
Konstas, 19, was named to replace Nathan McSweeney in the squad on the back of a blistering start to the summer that saw him hit twin tons in the Sheffield Shield, a sparkling century for the Prime Minister’s XI and then a record-breaking half-century in his first BBL game for the Thunder.
Selectors couldn’t ignore his runs and the speed in which he scores them given Australia’s top three has struggled for form against an Indian attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
Edwards captained Konstas in the PM’s XI game against India which was affected by rain but didn’t stop the young gun from blasting 107 off 97 against an attack featuring Test bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and several others who have featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“I’m absolutely stoked for him,” Edwards said on Tuesday morning at the SCG.
“He’s a legend of a young fella and it’s been great to have in the change rooms this year. I know how excited he would be because no one works harder than him, especially the number of balls he hits is insane.
“I’m sure he’s going to relish the opportunity. I played with him in that PM’s XI game and he didn’t look scared at the prospect of facing the Indian (quicks) so I’m sure we’ll see him thrive in those conditions.”
There is nothing more daunting than making your debut in front of 90,000 people at the MCG in a series that’s locked at one win apiece, but Edwards says Konstas is the perfect man to handle the occasion if selected.
Konstas has already impressed with his form on the field, but his willingness to be interviewed and the humility in which he carries himself are good signs for a young man who is destined to have a lengthy Test career.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed with him is the confidence,” Edwards said.
“It’s in a quiet and humble and quite a humorous way, but he’s very confident deep down. I don’t think he’s going to be shy or worried about what people say about him.
“A massive strength of his is just going out and doing things his way.
“It’s going to be a huge day for him and I’ve got goosebumps for him. I can’t wait to see him go out there, and I’m sure he’ll do well.”
Originally published as ‘I’ve got goosebumps for him’: Jack Edwards says confidence won’t be an issue for Sam Konstas if he’s picked to debut on Boxing Day
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