Kostas is set to become Australia men’s youngest Test batting debutant in 71 years with ‘The Baggy Greens' set to roll the dice on a problem position a year out from the Ashes. Sam Konstas is set to become his country’s youngest men’s Test batting debutant in 71 years when he takes the field for Australia against India on Boxing Day.
The 19-year-old, from New South Wales, has been called up to replace Nathan McSweeney after he managed just 72 runs across six innings in the opening three Tests, with the series currently tied at 1-1. And Australia coach Andrew McDonald said that the team wants to “throw a different challenge at India at this point in time”, adding that they are “really confident that Sam can do the job.”.
“He’s composed, relaxed, knows his game is in a good place at the moment, he’ll play Boxing Day,” said McDonald. “We’re really excited for him, Boxing Day, the biggest stage. He might as well get that one out of the way early,” he added. Kostas will be the youngest batting debutant since 1953, when Ian Craig – who later became Australia’s youngest ever Test captain – appeared against South Africa.
But who is the youngster, and what has been his story so far?. Konstas was born in Sydney in October 2005, and represents New South Wales. He is mentored by former Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson, and first featured for his country at under-19 level in a tour of England in July 2023.
