Fans told to listen out for Sam Konstas if he makes Test debut

The reserve fast bowler said his New South Wales teammate would be an entertainer even when he didn’t have bat in hand as he firmed for an opening berth in place of Nathan McSweeney.

Konstas was set to compete with Josh Inglis for the vacant batting spot as back-up all-rounder Beau Webster said he expected Mitch Marsh to play after only bowling two overs in Brisbane.

Abbott said Konstas, 19, would be an immediate hit with fans if he became Australia’s fourth-youngest ever Test debutant on Boxing Day.

“I’ve really enjoyed my short dealings with him … my time with him in the Shield game here a couple of weeks ago,” Abbott said.

“What I will say is if he gets the chance to play, turn the stump mics up when he’s in at short leg, because he’s got some good bants.

“Just getting into blokes about being scared, as I would’ve been as well if Starcy (Mitchell Starc) was about to bowl short … doesn’t matter if it was Rohit (Sharma) or me batting there, he would be exactly the same.”

Konstas told reporters on Monday he “wasn’t too sure yet” whether he would win his first Baggy Green in Melbourne, but dropped that his family was travelling from NSW to watch the game.

“It’s happened really quick to be honest, I wasn’t too fazed about it … I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person, and I’m just trying to live in the moment,” he said.

“I do (have a plan for Jasprit Bumrah) … I’m not going to say what it is, but just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers.

“I think it’s just another day for me, obviously it’s a bit more special, I’ve got my parents coming. Pretty simple, just back myself and see ball, hit ball really.”

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Webster, who was called into the squad to cover a sore Marsh ahead of the second Test, suggested the veteran all-rounder would be fine to hold his spot.

“We’ll see how the boys go, but obviously we’ve already got an all-rounder, and he’s still in that spot – I’m just here to cover him,” Webster said.

“He’s a great bloke, Mitch. He’s a fantastic cricketer and has had some success in all formats, I’m just here to cover the big fella if something goes wrong. As it stands here, he’s our No. 1 all-rounder.”

Originally published as Fans told to listen out for Sam Konstas if he makes Test debut