Sam Konstas is about to join two cult heroes, a one-Test wonder, Italy’s national captain and a fellow Cranbrook alumni in cricket’s quirkiest groups.
And on Thursday, Konstas will add his own twist to the list of Australian Boxing Day debutants, when the 19-year-old becomes the nation’s youngest ever male Test opener.
Konstas will become Australian men’s Text cricketer No.468 when he debuts against India at the MCG and the 14th to do so on Boxing Day.
In a list as unique as it is diverse, Australia’s Boxing Day debutants range from the nation’s equal-most capped player in Steve Waugh to a one-Test quick in Matthew Nicholson.
Current national selector Tony Dodemaide also features, as does the larger-than-life Greg Mathews.
Scott Boland is the other cult hero after his spell of 6-7 in 2021, which doubled as the best debut at the MCG from a bowler since Brett Lee’s stunning start in 1999.
Italy captain Joe Burns also started his international career as a No.6 for Australia at the MCG in 2014, before later ending his Test innings there as an opener against India in 2020.
Konstas will join Ed Cowan as one of the few Australian openers to debut in Test cricket’s biggest annual match, along with Phil Jaques in 2005.
“Debuting for Australia in general is a big occasion, then Boxing Day has a different feel about it,” Jaques told AAP.
“It’s Christmas time, there are a lot of eyeballs on it. A lot of family’s tradition is to watch it on Boxing Day, so it makes it that little bit more special.
“It’s just a pinch-yourself moment.”
Jaques had a similar lead-in time to Konstas in 2005, given close to a week to prepare after he saw Justin Langer go down injured.
While Konstas is already viewed as a star of the future, Boxing Day debuts inevitably attract more spotlight than any others with a national focus on cricket.
“That’s a good thing,” Jaques said.
“No matter where you debut, it’s always a big occasion. And everyone who debuted for Australia sees that game as a bit of a blur, it all happens really quick.
“On Boxing Day there is no bigger expectation and everyone is rooting for you, so you knock it over when it is a bit of a blur anyway.”
Like Ed Cowan six years later, Jaques took strike for the first ball of Boxing Day after being asked to by Matthew Hayden.
And as someone who has had eyes on Konstas for years as a former NSW coach, Jaques believes the 19-year-old would thrive on the chance to do likewise against Jasprit Bumrah.
“It was actually one of the highlights being able to face that first over of a Test match,” Jaques said.
“The crowd is up and about and excited about what’s coming. You get to the end of the over and take a breath.
“Sam would lean into the whole week and opportunity. He has already spoken about wanting to take every ball as it comes and play fearlessly.
“He is a young player coming in with zero baggage. He can go out and play his game and enjoy the week for what it is.”
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au