Australia’s veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared an interesting anecdote about young debutant Sam Konstas ahead of his much-anticipated debut. Speaking to ABC Sport, Lyon revealed the intriguing conversation Konstas had with him and Mitchell Starc before receiving his coveted Baggy Green cap. The 19-year-old displayed remarkable composure and a lack of nervousness, describing the historic occasion as if it were just another grade game.
“Yeah, it’s pretty amazing, but, uh, me and Starcy were warming up out here yesterday before the game, before the baggy presentation,” Lyon recounted. “He came up and sat down next to both of us and said, ‘Lads, when do you reckon the nerves are gonna kick in?’ I’m like—he goes, ‘This honestly just feels like a grade game.’ So I said, ‘I don’t know what game you play with 90,000 people there, but um.’ That just shows how naive he is in my eyes.”
Lyon expressed his admiration for the debutant’s calm demeanour, attributing it to his youthful innocence.
“I think that’s just being 19 and a little bit naive. He’s got great energy. I don’t think he really understands the enormity of the Boxing Day Test match or the significance of the Baggy Green just yet. You saw yesterday, though—he played a pretty special knock there. But yeah, it’s pretty special, though a long way to go,” he added.
Nathan Lyon praises Konstas
Konstas scripted his name in the history books with a remarkable debut performance. The 19-year-old became the 15th Australian to make his Test debut against India and score fifty-plus runs, joining an elite list that includes legends like Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann. He raced to his half-century in just 52 balls, becoming the youngest Australian in over seven decades to achieve the feat.
The fearless batter showcased his natural talent and composure under pressure, scoring an impressive 60 off 65 balls during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His confident approach against India’s premier pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, particularly with the new ball, highlighted his potential to become a star in the making.
