Tag: Revel

With ramp shots, charging slogs and a run-in with Virat Kohli, Australian debutant Sam Konstas played a style of fearless cricket that enthralled a massive MCG crowd.

However, while Konstas showed no nerves during his 60 off 65 balls, his family sweated on every delivery.

The Konstas family were down from New South Wales to watch their son and brother make his debut on Boxing Day.

Sam’s older brother Billy joined ABC Sport during the lunch break on day one, following the dismissal of his sibling that brought to an end one of the most entertaining innings seen for a long time.

“We didn’t have much expectation going into today, we were just trying to soak in the experience,” he said.

“It does feel like we’re all out in the middle with him. This week has been hectic, my parents have been pretty nervous and emotional.”

Konstas’s innings began shaky, with the 19-year-old playing and missing a pair of reverse ramp shots.

The opener found his groove and wowed the crowd with six boundaries and a pair of sixes.

It was a dream come true for the whole family said Billy, who said Sam had the ability to dominate the crease during backyard games as children.

“Let’s just say I had a sore shoulder and a broken back after bowling to Sam for hours. I guess I’ll take credit for where he is today,” Billy said.

“We’re Greek heritage. Not many Greeks play cricket. We’d watch the Ashes growing up as kids, and then recreate our own series in the backyard. For this to come to reality is unbelievable.

“Dad’s been throwing balls at Sam since he was five, six years old. Mum has been at every game doing her cross, making sure that he will be fine.”

Konstas also had an altercation with Kohli after the Indian superstar shouldered him between overs — a sign the Indians had been rattled by the teen.

It was a surreal moment for the family as well, as Sam and his brothers idolised Kohli growing up.

“We used to always try and replicate our batting on Virat … to see [Sam] playing him is unbelievable,” Billy said.

Konstas was Australia’s cap number 468 and is the fourth youngest Test player for Australia at 19 years and 85 days.