‘It was just another day for him’ but 19-year-old Sam Constas pursued a modern pace with the ferocity of a Greek warrior and refused to back down from a confrontation, so a packed MCG and thoroughly disdained the old-fashioned defense-first approach to India. It’s safe to say that the Greek Sydney sensation made a memorable debut in the Boxing Day Test and made the impact Australian team management were looking for from him.
“I think maybe 20 or 30 years ago people were probably telling you to field a lot all day long, but I think the new generation has a new shot,” Constas said after his 65-pitch 60. 6 in the first spell of the incomparable Jasprit Bumrah.
“Obviously it’s exciting for me. I like to put pressure on the bowlers and I hope it pays off in the next innings.” He never sounded arrogant, but his confidence is evident in the observations. It was quite an amazing thing to do.
Earlier this year, Constas had an unforgettable night playing against India U-19 in the Age Group World Cup final. By the end of this year, 87,242 people had risen to welcome his baggy green hat No. 468.
The right-hander, who made a name for himself playing for New South Wales, was brought in as a replacement for the somewhat nervous Nathan McSweeney and presented a “different challenge for India”. Clearly, he understood the task well.
The baby-faced player also had a brief but not-so-friendly conversation with Virat Kohli, one of his childhood heroes and a giant of the game. But what stood out was the kind of chutzpah he showed in dealing with Bumrah that very few have had in the last six or seven years.
“Yeah, it was definitely intentional, especially with the pace, but just keeping my head still and watching hard on my back. But yeah, I got a few runs away today and changed fields, which was good. . And I’m trying to strengthen my feelings in the ‘zone,’ Constas explained.
But there are ways to deal with madness, he insisted, denying any fear of failure.
“It would probably look ridiculous if it went out, but I worked really hard on that shot and I think it’s probably a really safe shot,” he said of his blow against Bumrah.
“But I think that’s the beauty of being young. Maybe it’s a bit naive, but I’m just trying to put pressure on the bowlers. I think the best way to do that is yeah, I got a few runs today. Good,” he added.
Constas, while confident, respects the ability of a bowler like Bumrah.
“He’s obviously a legend in this game, so I was trying to put a little bit of pressure on him and it paid off today. I’m always trying to challenge myself and bring out the best in myself. I think there are,” Constas said. He learned how to play cricket from former Bangladeshi player Tahamid Islam.
Additionally, Constas is coached by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.
“We were lucky early on.”
Constas admitted that he was lucky when Bumrah struck his bat four times in the first over.
“I think I’m just getting used to the wicket, playing against Bumrah for the first time and getting used to his action. He beat my bat a lot of times and I was lucky to get away a few times. But it was a great game,” he said. .
Still, he insisted that risk-taking is his style of play and that will not change.
“Pat Cummins has been very good to me and just told me to just be myself and that I’m here for a reason, because I’m scoring goals. So today. It felt like the right moment to do it, and yeah, it paid off. I thought, forever Sam,” he said.
After being presented with his Test cap by former captain Mark Taylor, with his brother and parents in attendance, Constas literally sprinted through the middle, eager to get to work on the game.
He asked senior partner Usman Khawaja to allow a pre-emptive strike against Bumrah.
“…It’s part of my routine. I always like to go out first and assert my dominance in a way and try to own the crease. But yeah, I’m quick I told Uzi (Usman Khawaja) that I’m going to go.” First of all, I’m going to go win.
“…he bats very well, is very calm and relaxed and is someone who trusts my instincts and helps me with my game,” he said, adding that Australia were 311/30 on the day. He praised his senior partner who also made a half-century when he raced in 6 one.
But regardless of his confidence, seeing a nearly full MCG and a chocolate Australia dugout made it all surreal for the youngster.
“I feel like the players welcomed me, so I played freely and supported myself and I was lucky enough to get a few points today, but obviously I was a little disappointed with the way I ran. “I’m there,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
Leave a comment