The 19 year old Sam Konstas is set eager to score big runs in in the Caribbean as he is named in the playing 11 for the first test of Australia tour of West Indies 2025.
Speaking before the media, he seemed super relaxed, showed his new tatoo to reporters. Ahead of Boxing day test against India, Sam Konstas visited a tattoo parlour in Sydney’s south, tattooed his foream with his test number 468.
“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas said. “I told my parents straight away that was going to do it, so no dramas there.”
He is happy with the result and said that his only focus is runs and securing his spot at the top order ahead of the Ashes series.
Australia confirmed their playing 11 few days ahead of the first test against West Indies where Marnus Labuschagne was dropped, with Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis has been brought with Steve Smith ruled out due to finger injury.
Sam Konstas is expected to open alongside Usman Khawaja although he added, “We’ll see what happens with where they bat me.”
After making an memorable tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Sam Konstas said he was thrilled to be back in the team.
“Obviously, it’s a tough team to crack and [it has] got legends of the game in that team,” Konstas said. “Very excited for the opportunity and hopefully, I can grab it with both hands.
“I’ve been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked [other players in recent Tests]. I’m just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I’ve come a long way. Hopefully, I can display that in the next few Test matches.
“It’s a dream come true, to be honest. [To be] 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I’m lucky to be where I am.”
On the other hand, Marnus Labuschagne has been left out of the test team for the first time since 2019.
“He’s a great mentor of mine,” said Konstas of Labuschagne. “I’m pretty sure his average is [nearly] 50. Hopefully one day I can get there. I always go to him for advice.”
Australia will have two training sessions on Saturday and Monday before the opening test on Wednesday at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
