December 26—the most anticipated day in Australia’s cricket calendar. The iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground kicks off, and this year, the opponents are none other than India. Given the recent history between the two teams and the outcomes of the first three Tests in this series, the excitement around this Boxing Day Test has reached fever pitch. Whoever wins this match will gain the upper hand in the five-match series.
Adding to the thrill, this match marks the Test debut of 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Not since Pat Cummins made his debut at the age of 18 in 2011 has Australia fielded someone so young in Test cricket.
In a unique twist, Konstas will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja. According to Cricket.com.au, the age gap between Khawaja and Konstas—18 years—is the largest ever for an Australian opening pair in Test history.
Naturally, Konstas must be buzzing with excitement as he steps into the spotlight. And fittingly, the last man to debut so young, Pat Cummins, is now Australia’s captain, leading the team during Konstas’ big moment.
“It’s surreal to think that at an age where most are playing in their backyard, he’s stepping up to play for the national team. My advice to Sam? Treat it like just another game, enjoy the moment, and don’t overthink it,” said Cummins during the pre-match press conference.
The topic of Konstas’ debut prompted reporters to ask Cummins about his own experience debuting at 18 against South Africa in Johannesburg. Clearly prepared for the question, Cummins reflected, “It was an incredible experience. I kept wondering how and why I got there so fast. I was thrilled.”
He then offered Konstas some calming advice, “I know Sam must be feeling the same way I did. It’s overwhelming to go from backyard cricket to representing your country. But once the game starts, you switch to game mode, and it feels like just another match.”
Cummins also recalled his younger self with a humorous anecdote that lightened the mood in the press room, “At 18, I thought, ‘If I don’t play well, it’s not my fault—it’s the selectors’ for picking me.’ I even thought, ‘What kind of fools pick an 18-year-old?’”
The room burst into laughter as Cummins delivered his candid remark. Turning serious again, he added, “To debut on Boxing Day at such a young age—it doesn’t get better than this. So, my advice to Sam is simple: enjoy the moment.”
Cummins also revealed Australia’s XI for the Test. In-form batter Travis Head is fit to play despite concerns over a muscle injury. Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney, as already announced, while pacer Scott Boland comes in for the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Australia is set, and all eyes are on Sam Konstas as he takes his first steps on the grandest stage of them all—Boxing Day at the MCG.
