Who is Sam Konstas? Meet Australia's 19-year-old half-centurion
What's the story
Sam Konstas, Australia's 19-year-old recruit made his international debut in the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26.
He was earlier confirmed as Australia's opener alongside senior batter Usman Khawaja.
Despite facing a formidable bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showcased his audacious strokes on Day 1. The latter slammed an incredible fifty, thereby entering the record books.
Debut
One of Australia's youngest debutants
On Boxing Day, Konstas became the fourth-youngest Australian to wear the Baggy Green, aged 19 years and 85 days.
He follows Ian Craig (17 years and 239 days), his captain Pat Cummins (18 years and 193 days), and Tom Garrett (18 years and 232 days) on this elite list.
His selection for the national team highlights his potential as a rising star in Australian cricket.
Fifty
Stunning debut on Boxing Day
Konstas made a stunning debut on Boxing Day. He scored a brisk 60 runs off just 65 balls, guiding Australia to a promising score of 112/1 by lunch on Day 1.
Konstas's fearless batting style and aggressive stroke play were the key highlights of his performance.
He executed bold strokes such as a reverse lap-scoop off Bumrah, a shot rarely seen in Test cricket.
His audacious approach also led to an on-field exchange with India's Virat Kohli.
Information
Second-youngest to this feat
At 19 years and 85 days, Konstas became the second-youngest to score a Test fifty for Australia. Ian Craig holds the record for being the youngest to do so, at 17 years and 240 days. The former also became the first player to score a Test fifty on debut against India before turning 20.
Performance
Impressive First-Class record
Despite his young age, Konstas has already made a mark in red-ball cricket.
Before the ongoing game, he had scored 718 runs from 18 First-Class innings at an average of 42.23, as per ESPNcricinfo.
His highest score is an impressive 152, and he has two centuries and three half-centuries to his name.
These performances have undoubtedly played a significant role in earning him a spot on the Australian team for the upcoming Test against India.
Confidence
Konstas's confidence and mentorship under Shane Watson
Konstas had shown his readiness to take on the Indian bowlers, suggesting he has plans to tackle their attack.
His New South Wales teammate Sean Abbott told Fox Sports about Konstas's fearless nature toward the game.
The young cricketer idolizes former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson and considers him his mentor.
Watson, who was a mental skills consultant for New South Wales cricket team, has been mentoring Konstas since he was 16.
DYK
Konstas had replaced Nathan McSweeney
Notably, Konstas was not a part of Australia's squad for the first three Tests.
He was added for the fourth game at MCG as Nathan McSweeney failed to impress in his debut Test series.
Meanwhile, Konstas showed considerable potential, scoring a century against India in a pink-ball practice match in Canberra.
As the series is 1-1 after three games, stakes in the remaining two games are extremely high.