Konstas set to break near-100-year-old record on Boxing Day

by Admin
December 21, 2024

Australian cricket’s latest prodigy, Sam Konstas, is set to break a near-100-year-old recorded if handed a dream debut at the MCG on Thursday.

The 19-year-old has been drafted into the Test squad for the fourth contest against India in the iconic MCG Boxing Day Test, with Nathan McSweeney axed after just three games to make way.

Konstas has exploded onto the scene this summer, turning a promise and century-filled junior career into a blossoming early first-class record, punctuated by an exciting Big Bash debut half century and Prime Minister’s XI ton.

And he is now set to become the youngest-ever man to open for Australia at Test level, besting a man who played alongside the great Sir Donald Bradman in Archibald Jackson.

Jackson made his Test debut at 19 years 149 days in the 1928/29 Ashes, having toured with Bradman’s side since the age of 17.

Sadly, Jackson’s career was cut tragically short, dying at the age of just 23 from tuberculosis with 474 Test runs at 47.40 from eight outings for his country.

Konstas will make his debut aged 19 years 85 days, and with any luck, he will be able to repeat Jackson’s debut knock of 164.

Regardless of how the youngster goes, his veteran Sydney Thunder teammate Chris Green is savouring every moment Konstas plays for the T20 franchise, pegging him as a Test regular for years to come.

“He is full of confidence. We’re just living in the Sammy Konstas world,” Green said ahead of his 100th Big Bash League game in the Sydney Smash on Saturday.

“We’re not going to see a lot of him in our ranks now. Once he gets his opportunity he’s going to be there for a long, long time in the Australian set-up.

“He’s a kid who has impressed me every time he goes out and steps over the rope to bat. Nothing seems to faze him. He’s such a great kid. He has strong family values. His family love him and support him closely.

“It’s a pleasure to have him as a teammate, and he is going to go on to great things in the baggy green.”

Sam Konstas of the Blues celebrates the wicket of Hilton Cartwright. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Konstas, who has already been compared to former New South Wales and Australia star Michael Clarke, received his selection news while training with the Thunder during the week, forced to call national selector George Bailey back after a net session to learn his dreams were coming true.

Selectors will hope Konstas can bring his attacking mentality to Australia’s battle to conquer Indian tormentor, Jasprit Bumrah, the star quick having terrorised the host’s top order across the series.

Australia has also called West Australian quick Jhye Richardson into the Test squad as cover for the bowling brigade after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the remaining two Tests against India with a significant calf strain.