Sam Konstas, Australia’s Right handed batsman, shared that while batting in his early test matches was not challenging so far, but it was really tough for him to handle his sentiments while facing the huge public gathering at the MCG last December. At the young age of 19, he is trying to learn how to regulate his breath, rely on his abilities and how to keep calm while facing the international grounds.
“It was my first few Test matches, and the emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas told reporters in Barbados, while referring to his debut series at MCG, against India, which started with his 60 off 65 balls.
“But having a bit of time off to reflect and strengthen my game has helped.” He added.
Australia’s first Test match against West Indies is going to start on June 25, where Konstas is set to open the game with fellow player Josh Inglis, as it is declared by the selectors. Steven Smith can’t be part of the team because of his dislocated finger injury and Marnus Labuschagne has not been selected.
Konstas is going to play his third Test match, whereas he didn’t play against Sri Lanka, where the game was started by Travis Head after the tactical decision. And he also missed the XI for the World Test Championship final. After landing in Caribbean, Konstas had a week to prepare for his Barbados Test match, he also shared about his personal diary, which he used to write from school times, became a useful tool for him to relearn the basics of the game.
“The diary’s been important,” Konstas, who has a tattoo of Test cap No. 468 on his forearm, said. “Just reflecting on games, going back to my checkpoints, especially when you’re overseas. It helps me get grounded again.”
He also said that he always tries to learn from his fellow and experienced players.
“I’m just trying to control my breath and have a good relationship with my batting partner to talk about things and how to go through, especially heated moments, when the game changes,” he further added.
“I always try to get advice from Uzi [Usman Khawaja], Marnus, Smith, just seeing how they go about things. I’m lucky to be around them, especially at 19. Playing for your country, travelling the world, it really is a dream come true.”
“For me, I just hope to grab an opportunity because it’s such a strong side. I’m very grateful for that.”
It is also expected that during all three Test matches against West Indies, Konstas is set to play as a game opener, while the batting order is yet to be confirmed. He could get more experience from these games to get more suitable for the Ashes later this year, after the retirement of David Warner, Australia’s team management faced difficulties while selecting openers.
The first Test is decided to play at Bridgetown, after that the team will move to Grenada for the second game from July 3 and then the third Test is scheduled to play in Jamaica from July 12.
