“It was just another day for him” but not for the packed MCG as 19-year-old Sam Constas followed a modern pace different from the ferocity of a Greek warrior and refused to back down from the confrontation. and showed utter contempt for the archaic defensive approach against India. It would be wrong to say that the Greek-born Sydney sensation made his debut at the Boxing Day tournament and had the effect that the Australian team management expected of him.
“I think 20-30 years ago people probably talked a lot about defense, almost all day long, but I think for the new generation there are new shots,” Constas said after a 60-ball 60 that included a pair bold throws. sixes in the first spell of the incomparable Jasprit Bumrah.
“Of course it’s exciting for me, I enjoy doing it, putting pressure on the bowlers again and hopefully it will pay off in the next innings,” he never sounded arrogant, but the confidence was absolutely stunning.
At the beginning of the year, Constas played against the Indian U19 team in the World Age Group Championship final, where he was eliminated. By the end of that year, 87,242 people were on their feet to salute his baggy green No. 468 cap.
The right-hander, who made his name playing for New South Wales, was brought in to replace a rather nervy Nathan McSweeney and provide “a different challenge to India”. Apparently, he understood the task perfectly.
The baby-faced player also had a brief but not very friendly chat with one of his childhood heroes and giant of the game Virat Kohli. But what stood out was the brazenness he showed in dealing with Bumrah, which very few have dared to do in the last six-seven years.
“Yeah, I definitely thought about the pace beforehand, but I just tried to keep my head still and just make sure it was on my back. But yeah, today I was a little distracted and changed the pitch, which was good, and then tried to strengthen my zone,” Konstas explained.
But there was a method to madness, he insisted, and he was completely dismissive of the fear of failure.
“I think it’ll probably look stupid if I get out, but I’ve worked really hard on that shot and I feel like it’s probably a safe shot for me,” he said of his shots against Bumrah.
“But I think that’s the beauty of being young. Maybe it’s a little naive but I’m just trying to put pressure on the bowlers, the best way I think is that and yeah, it’s good to get some runs in today.” he added.
Despite his confidence, Constas is also respectful of what a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber can do.
“Obviously he’s a legend of the game. So I tried to put a little pressure on him and it paid off today. I think I always challenge myself to try to get the best out of myself,” said Constas, who studied cricket under former first-class ace Bangladeshi player Tahmid Islam.
Constas was also mentored by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.
“I was lucky before”
Constas admitted that he was lucky when Bumrah batted him four times in the very first over.
“I think I’m just getting used to the wicket, facing Bumrah for the first time, getting used to what he does. He hit my bat a few times and I was lucky enough to hit the ball a few times, but it was a great contest,” he said. .
However, taking risks is his style of play and that will not change, he insisted.
“Pat Cummins has been very kind to me, just saying be yourself and I’m here for a reason because I’m scoring points. So I felt like today was the right time to do it and yes, it paid off. I’ll always be Sam,” he said.
After former captain Mark Taylor, accompanied by his brothers and parents, presented a Test cap, Constas literally ran to the middle, eager to continue the game.
He asked senior partner Usman Khawaja to allow him to strike first against Bumrah.
“…it’s part of my daily routine. I always like to go out first, assert my dominance and try to own the crease. But yes, I immediately told Uzzi (Usman Khawaja) that I was going to go. I will go out first and I will strive for victory.
“…he’s such a pleasure to bat with, he’s very calm and relaxed and he’s just a guy who trusts my instincts and supports my batting,” he praised his senior partner, who also scored a half-century as Australia raced to 311/6 per day. one.
But despite his confidence, watching the near-filled MCG and Australian dugout made everything surreal for the youngster.
“I feel like the boys have welcomed me. So just playing with that freedom and supporting myself and I was lucky to get some runs in today, obviously a little disappointed with how I got out,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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