by Australian rookie Sam Konstas has a plan to battle Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, but he doesn’t want to give too much away three days before his likely Test debut on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old has been called up to the Australian squad as a replacement for Nathan McSweeney, as Australian selectors look for a more aggressive partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
Related: ‘Super confident’: Teenage sensation Sam Konstas ready to duel Jasprit Bumrah in Boxing Day Test
Konstas told a press kit of around 50 journalists and teams in Melbourne on Monday that he had an idea of how to counter Bumrah, who took 21 wickets in the series.
“Yes, I’m not going to say what it is, I’m just trying to put the pressure back on the bowlers,” he said, adding that he saw it as just a game of cricket.
“Pretty simple, just step back and see the ball, really hit the ball.”
The St George junior’s meteoric rise appeared to falter after Australia A matches at Mackay and the MCG six weeks ago ended in three failures.
But he recovered for a not out 73 in the second match in Melbourne, then was in contention again for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra and for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield in the following weeks.
“I’m not too fazed, I think every opportunity I get, I just try to do my best and score points,” he said, adding that his mentor Shane Watson had already told him gave some advice: “Just another day, support me and be fearless.
Fast bowler and NSW teammate Sean Abbott – who is in the squad as an injury replacement – said he had enjoyed playing with him.
“If he gets a chance to play, turn up the mics when he’s short leg, because he’s got a good bantz. [banter]“, he said. “He’s a funny young kid and I can’t wait to see how he does it.”
Konstas turned just 19 in October and has averaged 42 in first-class cricket in just 11 matches.
“He doesn’t mind who he’s up against,” Abbott said. “The other day we were playing against Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb, who have quite a bit of experience. He was pretty unfazed and I imagine if he had the chance [in Melbourne]it would be quite similar.
Although Konstas is in the squad as one of only two specialist fly-halfs, he is yet to be officially named in the Boxing Day XI.
The Australians will train on Monday before a main session on Christmas Eve, after which the selectors will finalize the squad.
Versatile Beau Webster has also joined the team and could be called up due to Mitch Marsh’s inability to play long periods.
Webster was playing coy about his chances. “Obviously we already have a versatile player here, he’s still in that spot,” he said. “I’m just here to cover for the big guy [Marsh]in case something goes wrong.
