Sam Konstas built for this stage: Watson praises Australia opener’s showmanship

Sam Konstas’ explosive batting debut in Melbourne didn’t surprise his mentor, Shane Watson; however, the 19-year-old’s showmanship during the Boxing Day Test did catch the former Australian all-rounder off guard.

Konstas stunned Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian bowlers with his breathtaking strokeplay, showcasing ramps, reverse scoops, pulls, and powerful drives through the covers. The young teenage opener even took the attack to Bumrah, arguably the best bowler of his generation.

Konstas scored 14 runs off one of Bumrah’s overs and followed it up with an 18-run assault — two of Bumrah’s three most expensive overs in Test cricket. Konstas eventually finished with a score of 60 off 65 balls, studded with six fours and two sixes. “I understood what his game plan was — what plan A was, anyway. So when plan B kicked in quite quickly, within a couple of overs, that was a little surprising. But one thing we’ve always talked about is trusting his gut,” Watson said during the ICC Champions Trophy tour at the SCG, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Reflecting on his experience mentoring Konstas, Watson added: “My experience working with Sam has shown me a very quiet, reserved personality — a deep thinker and certainly not an extrovert. But what we saw in the Test match is that he’s a showman, rising to the occasion without being overawed.

“I know from my own debut experience that you put a lot of pressure on yourself because it’s your dream to represent your country and wear the baggy green. But for Sam, it’s almost superhuman how he seemed unaffected by that pressure.

“You could see it wasn’t an act — that’s just who he is. And honestly, I hadn’t seen that side of him before. It just shows he’s built for the big stage, where most players take time to adjust. Sam thrives on it.”

However, Konstas faced the harsh realities of Test cricket in the second innings, with Bumrah dismissing him for just 8 runs with a superb inswinger. Watson remains confident in Konstas’ abilities, highlighting his technical soundness and adaptability as key to succeeding in red-ball cricket.

“Now, it’s going to be a different challenge for him. He’s shown what his plan B is, and we already saw in that second innings that field positions were adjusted accordingly. This will be a good test of his evolution — how he can continue to take the game on against the world’s best bowlers. But he’s certainly got all the gears and the skills to make those adjustments quickly.

“He’s technically very correct and waits for loose balls. But he’s also got the ability to hit the ball down the ground. Of course, when the field is set with a fine third man and a fine leg, the ramp shot might be off the table. Then again, I didn’t think he’d play the ramp shot in the first couple of overs, and he did! Sam will trust his instincts, and that’s something truly special that sets him apart.”