Australian teen Konstas ready for Indian pace challenge
Sydney, Australia
“I want to be challenged and I’ve got a few plans against India’s bowlers. I feel like I’m moving really nicely so hopefully I get that opportunity.”
Australia’s top-order has been terrorised by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah over the first three Tests of the five-match series, which is locked at 1-1.
While McSweeney paid the price, Khawaja is also under pressure after a lean spell.
Konstas is not a guaranteed starter, with Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster also in the squad as other options.
Should he pad up, he would become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since skipper Pat Cummins took the field against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2011
Konstas thrust himself into the frame after becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.
He also slammed a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.
Konstas was batting in the nets last week when he got the call from Australian selector George Bailey.
“I was so thrilled and called my parents straight away, and they were very emotional,” he said.
“Mum was in tears, so I was trying not to cry. Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs.”
mp/iwd
© Agence France-Presse
