Pat Cummins discussed Sam Konstas’ call-up for the Melbourne test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy while giving hilarious advice to the opener.
Australia has come in a huge relief after Travis Head was declared fit and Cummins revealed the playing 11 where Sam Konstas and Scot Boland were named in the playing 11.
Cummins shared advice rooted in his own experience as a teenage debutant, encouraging the young opener to embrace the moment and the freedom of the youth.
Speaking ahead of the fourth test, Cummins revealed the ‘selectors’ advice he shared with his fellow New South Welshman.
“I think you always want to do well (but) I was saying this to Sam the other day, I remember that as an 18-year-old, I was thinking I got a lot more leeway because I was young,” Cummins said on Christmas Day.
“It almost felt like if I didn’t have a great game, it wasn’t my fault. It was the selectors’ fault for picking me. I was like, ‘Well, they’re the idiots who picked an 18-year-old.’
“You’re so young starting out your career (and) it’s Boxing Day. It doesn’t get any better than this, so just enjoy the moment.”
“Sammy just needs to go out and play like he’s in the backyard,” Cummins said. “There’s a level of naivety that can work in your favor. When I debuted, I didn’t overthink things-I just saw the ball and tried to hit it.”
“I remember taking on Dale Steyn, trying to hit him over his head. At the time, it felt completely logical, but looking back, I think, ‘What was I doing?'”
Konstas will be facing India’s spear head Jasprit Bumrah during the boxing day test at the MCG. Cummins believes the scale of the occasion could be liberating rather than terroring for the 19 year old.
“I told him, ‘You’re young, so people cut you a bit more slack. If things don’t go perfectly, it’s not your fault-it’s the selectors’ fault for picking you,'” Australian skipper said with a grin. “But seriously, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Just enjoy it and play with freedom.”
“There’s so much value in just playing the game without overcomplicating things. While experienced players like Usman [Khawaja] bring wisdom to the team, there’s also a freshness in seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and not worrying about what comes next.”
Scott Boland will be returning to playing 11, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Cummins has expressed confidence in his ability to shine once again. “He’s a world-class bowler, especially here at the MCG, and we know he’ll deliver.”
The third match of the BGT ended in draw after the rain spoiled the game on day 05 and both sides have one victory each. The fourth match of the Australia-India tests will be played beginning on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
