Sam Konstas says he and his family have been overcome with emotion following his selection in Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test against India at the MCG.
Konstas is tipped to make his Test debut in Melbourne, with the 19-year-old likely to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.
His elevation to Australia’s squad comes at the expense of opener Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Konstas said McSweeney had been among the first to offer congratulations following an initial call from chief selector George Bailey.
Playing for the Thunder against the Sixers in Saturday night’s Sydney BBL derby, Konstas said he was excited about the possibility of making his Test debut.
“I was so thrilled and called my parents straight away, and they were very emotional,” he said on Fox Sport’s BBL coverage.
“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.
“I’m very excited. 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.”
Konstas failed to make an impression for the Thunder against the Sixers, who secured a thrilling five-wicket win on the last ball of the match in Homebush.
He was out for three-ball duck just four days after making a stunning 56 from 27 deliveries against Adelaide Strikers in his BBL debut.
His form in red-ball cricket this season was enough to secure a spot in Australia’s fourth-Test squad.
Konstas became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match in October.
The right-hander also recorded a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India at Manuka Oval.
“His [Konstas] style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further,” Bailey said in a statement on Friday.
“We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.”
AAP/ABC
