BGT 2024-25: "Excited.." Potential MCG debutant Sam Konstas opens up on preparations to face Jasprit Bumrah

Sam Konstas is most likely to make his test debut at the MCG.

Australia‘s batting has been a major concern in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Australian top order has struggled to show any resistance against Jasprit Bumrah, who stands tall with 21 wickets in six innings in the series.

What’s even more concerning for the hosts is that senior batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are yet to find their form. The Aussie batting lineup has heavily relied on Travis Head, who has already notched up two centuries in the series so far.

To address their batting woes, Australia have made a bold move to drop opener Nathan McSweeney for the final two tests at Melbourne and Sydney. McSweeney, typically a No. 3 batter for South Australia, opened for the Aussies in the first three tests and struggled against Bumrah, getting out to him four times in six innings.

The hosts then named 19-year-old New South Wales sensation Sam Konstas as the replacement for the South Australian. Ahead of his potential debut in the Boxing Day test at the MCG, Konstas has shared his thoughts on the challenge of facing Jasprit Bumrah.

Sam Konstas on his preparations to face Jasprit Bumrah

Speaking to the media ahead of the potential debut, Konstas acknowledged the threat posed by the Bumrah and revealed that he plans to keep things simple.

Konstas said, “I won’t watch too much [of Bumrah], 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 expressed his excitement while emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.

He continued, “I’m super confident, 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 honor if I do get in.“

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