Konstas won't overthink Bumrah showdown on debut

Sam Konstas is set for a Test debut but won't fret over having to face India's bowling maestro. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Sam Konstas won't overload on watching videos of Jasprit Bumrah ahead of his likely Boxing Day Test debut, as he prepares to face India's pace maestro for the first time.

Konstas blasted 107 from 97 balls against India three weeks ago, helping open the door for his call-up to Australia's Test squad in place of Nathan McSweeney.

India's attack in Canberra resembled the closest thing Konstas has seen to a Test squad, with Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja all playing.

Konstas
Konstas came down to earth a bit with his duck in the BBL for the Thunder.

But the one tourist missing from that match was Bumrah, the man who has caused Australia the most pain this summer.

While Konstas has carried all before him in domestic cricket this summer, Bumrah is officially the most damaging tourist to hit Australia's shores.

He now holds the best bowling average for any overseas player in the country who's taken more than 50 wickets, with Bumrah now having claimed 53 at 17.15 across three tours.

It means Konstas could have the toughest possible initiation into Test cricket, against Bumrah in front of a sold-out crowd and on an MCG pitch with plenty of life this summer.

But the 19-year-old said he would not overthink the situation.

Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah represents the toughest challenge the new boy could face.

"I won't watch too much (of him)," Konstas said. 

"I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him.

"Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe."

Konstas said he would also take a lot of confidence from his century against India for the Prime Minister's XI, when India's slips were caught laughing at his shots.

"I'm super confident," he said. 

"Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple.

"As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it's a huge honour if I do get in."

Told by chief selector George Bailey on Friday he was in the team, Konstas heard from Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald on Saturday.

Axed opener Nathan McSweeney was also among the first to congratulate him, along with NSW teammate Steve Smith.

Konstas celebrated his inclusion with a family dinner on Friday night, before being brought back down to earth with a duck in the Big Bash on Saturday night.

The teenager flew to Melbourne on Sunday morning, ahead of his maiden training session with the Test team on Monday.

Australia will take on India at the MCG in the fourth Test, starting on Boxing Day.

"It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity," Konstas said.

"I just had dinner with the family (to celebrate), pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying ... Everything has happened so fast.

"Mum and dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. 

"Just to give something back to them was very special. I can't wait to have them in Melbourne for support."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store