December 25, 2024: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed high expectations for 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who has been called up to the Australian squad for the remaining Tests in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Series against India. Ponting believes that Konstas possesses the perfect blend of “talent and attitude” to succeed at the highest level, especially in the intense environment of Test cricket.
Konstas, who replaces Nathan McSweeney in the squad, will make his international debut in what is shaping up to be a pivotal series. With both teams tied 1-1, the final two Tests are crucial, not just for the series outcome but also for securing valuable ICC World Test Championship points.
Ponting, speaking to The ICC Review, shared his admiration for the young batter, who has been on the radar due to his performances in domestic cricket. He highlighted Konstas’ maturity and confidence, pointing out his impressive century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India. “I have seen a lot, there is a lot of talent there no doubt about it,” Ponting said. “The way he played in the PM’s XI game, the way that he was able to approach his first BBL game… you can see that the talent is there and there is also a bit of an attitude to go with it.”
Ponting described Konstas as a player who is self-assured and eager to prove himself. “Not a bad attitude, but an attitude that he knows that he is good and he wants to show the world that he is good,” he added. Konstas has also had a solid first-class career so far, with 718 runs in 11 matches at an average of 42.2, including two centuries and three half-centuries.
However, Ponting is also realistic about the challenges Konstas will face in his Test debut. The teenager will be up against some of the best bowlers in the world, including India’s No. 1-ranked Jasprit Bumrah. Ponting acknowledged the tough challenge of debuting against such a formidable attack, saying, “There is still a challenge there. It is a Test match. It is your first Test match. You are playing against some of the best bowlers in the world.”
Ponting emphasized that despite the challenges, he believes Konstas is the kind of player who will rise to the occasion. “I don’t think he is the sort of guy who would be too worried about it. I think he will be excited by it,” he said. “He will try and find ways to impose himself on the contest, which is one of the things I think everyone likes about him.”
Konstas, known for his attacking style, is unlikely to adopt a cautious approach in his debut. “He is either going to be up and going or he is going to be out a bit earlier on than that,” Ponting explained. This fearless attitude could serve him well as he takes on the high-pressure environment of Test cricket against India’s elite bowling attack.
As Konstas prepares for his debut, he will be looking to make an impact and prove that he has the talent and mindset to succeed in international cricket—something Ponting clearly believes he is capable of.
