Tears of Joy: Konstas Shares Emotions of First Test Selection
Click to start listening
Sydney, Dec 21 (NationPress) The 19-year-old Australian cricketer Sam Konstas, currently playing for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL), shared his thoughts on receiving his first call-up to the men's national team during the match against the Sydney Sixers on Saturday.
As the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series stands at 1-1, Konstas is set to make his debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the Boxing Day Test. The right-handed opener admitted he was “trying not to cry” while informing his parents of the exciting news.
“I was in the nets when I received the call from George Bailey; he informed me that I was included in the Test squad, so I immediately called my parents. They were very emotional. I’ll join the team tomorrow and take it from there,” Konstas stated to BBL broadcasters during the game.
“Mum was in tears, I was trying not to cry and Dad was incredibly proud. It’s been a remarkable journey with all its ups and downs, and I’m very thankful for this,” he added.
Konstas has been selected to replace opener Nathan McSweeney, whose position in Australia’s XI had been a topic of debate among selectors after he recorded two single-digit scores in the drawn third Test at the Gabba.
McSweeney’s exclusion follows a series of disappointing performances since his debut last month, where he failed to exceed 10 runs in five out of six innings. Although the 25-year-old displayed potential, his struggle to adjust to the demands of opening at the Test level, particularly against the moving ball, proved detrimental.
McSweeney, who has a long career ahead of him, expressed he felt “devastated” after being dropped from the squad.
“Yeah, I am devastated. I achieved my dream but it didn’t go as I had hoped. However, it’s part of the game, and I’ll focus on getting back to the nets and working hard to prepare for my next chance,” he said.
“This is the nature of the sport. If you don’t seize an opportunity and fail to perform, your position is never secure. I missed out several times with the bat, and unfortunately, I couldn’t capitalize on my chances. But as I mentioned, I’ll work diligently to ensure that if another opportunity arises, I’m fully prepared,” McSweeney told Channel 7.
