BGT 2024-25: "Mum was crying.." Sam Konstas opens up on his maiden test call-up

Sam Konstas has scored two centuries in First-Class (FC) cricket.

Australia have made a bold decision before the Boxing Day test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 by dropping opener Nathan McSweeney and naming Sam Konstas as his replacement.

McSweeney, typically a No. 3 batter for South Australia, opened and struggled for form throughout the series and failed to deliver a significant score in any of the six outings.

Konstas’ selection has come on the back of an impressive century in the pink-ball practice game against India. The 19-year-old has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket, registering 718 runs in 18 First-Class (FC) innings at an average of 42.23. Furthermore, he also scored a 31-ball fifty for Sydney Thunder against Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 on December 17.

The Australian youngster has now opened up on now he and his family reacted to his maiden test call-up.

Sam Konstas opens up on his test call-up

Reflecting on his surprise call-up to the national side, Konstas revealed that his mother became emotional upon hearing the news.

Konstas said, “It’s all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity. I just had dinner with the family [to celebrate], pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying… Everything has happened so fast.“

He went on to explain the importance of his family’s support in his journey.

The 19-year-old continued, “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.“

Australia’s squad for Melbourne test

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.