Konstas ready to take on Jasprit Bumrah in Australia debut, shares conversation with McSweeney: 'I'm prepared to...'

After replacing Nathan McSweeney in the last two Tests against India, 19-year-old Sam Konstas is gearing up to make his international debut against top bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Konstas is set to open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the upcoming match in Melbourne, facing a tough challenge against the world-class Indian bowling attack.

Both sides played out a draw in Brisbane, courtesy of rain, and the series is currently level at 1-1. The visitors began the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a win in Perth, to take a 1-0 lead. Then the hosts bounced back in Adelaide, which was also a pink-ball affair, to level the series.

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Konstas is currently in good batting form, and in an interaction with Fox Sports seemed confident of facing Bumrah and Co. “I've got a few plans against those (Indian) bowlers. Feeling like I'm moving really nice and hopefully I get that opportunity. I'm just going to react to the ball and show a bit of intent and put a bit of pressure back on the bowlers,” he said.

He also revealed that McSweeney congratulated him for his selection, despite getting dropped. “It will be a huge honour debuting. A dream come true. I think it's a sellout already (at the MCG). I'm very excited (to take on India). I want to be challenged. Nathan McSweeney is a very good player in all three formats - he actually congratulated me this morning so we're very close mates. I wish him all the best.”

Ahead of the ongoing series, India took on the Australia Prime Minister XI in a warm-up fixture, and Konstas smacked a stunning knock of 107 runs off 97 balls, packed with 14 fours and a six. He also slammed an unbeaten 73 in the second unofficial Test vs India A. Konstas represents New South Wales as a right-handed opener. He was born in Sydney and is an Australian of Greek descent. He made his Big Bash League debut this month for Sydney Thunder.

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