Australia captain Pat Cummins, a former teenage debutant, has a better idea than most of the experience new Test opener Sam Konstas has enjoyed this week.
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Cummins said he approached his debut with a “nothing to lose” approach after recording 6 wins and 78 losses as an 18-year-old in the Wanderers match against South Africa in 2011.
That’s the message to his fellow New South Welshman ahead of Konstas’ first Test at the MCG on Boxing Day in what will be a pivotal match in the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Cummins said, “You always seem to want to do well, but I said this to Sam the other day, and I remember thinking when I was 18 I had more leeway because I was younger.” On Christmas.
“Even if I didn’t play well, it felt like it wasn’t my fault. It was the selectors’ fault for picking me. I thought, ‘Well, they’re idiots for picking an 18-year-old.’
“You are too young to start your career. And it’s Boxing Day. “It doesn’t get any better than this, so enjoy this moment.”
As expected, there will be only two changes to the Australian team. Konstas replaces the outed Nathan McSweeney, while Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Cummins and the rest of the Australian team enjoyed some family time at the MCG on Christmas morning, with some, including Konstas, enjoying some time in the nets.
Travis Head went through a fitness session that included batting, passing the MCG and taking his daughter for a quick morning play.
While the Indians have a full day’s rest ahead of the fourth Test, the Australian team met again for an extended lunch ahead of the resumption of the series tied at 1-all.
The Australian team has a member as old as Konstas’ father and Cummins said it was an exciting time for the 19-year-old, who will start alongside Usman Khawaja.
“It’s really amazing. “I spent some time wondering why and how I was there (because) it happened so quickly.”
“I remember being really excited. Similar to Sammy this week, I think there’s a certain amount of innocence that makes you want to go out and play like you did in your backyard as a kid. You just want to keep enjoying the game… and not overthink it. This is Sam’s message.
“That’s definitely how I felt when I was 18. I was really excited. And when the game starts, it goes into game mode and is just like any other game.”
The Australian skipper, who is 12 years older than the rookie opener, enjoyed spending time with Konstas in domestic one-day matches earlier in the summer.
“He didn’t play, but he was down there so I got to spend some time with him and he was really good,” Cummins said.
“He was pretty relaxed and fun. (He was) happy to get in on the joke and take the mickey away from himself and others. We will always encourage him to be himself.
“But he… seems to have a good arm for a 19-year-old, so we’re supporting him.”
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The Boxing Day toss is crucial given the heat expected on Thursday, although the predicted high temperature has dropped from 40C to a slightly more comfortable 36C.
India won the two most recent Tests played at the MCG, but the stadium has now become more lively and more subdued. Domestic teams have struggled to post big scores there this year, suggesting the bowler-dominated series will continue in a similar vein in Melbourne.
The attack without Cummins and Hazelwood battled through the heat and humidity of the Gabba in last week’s rain-affected Test and the Australian captain believes they are fresh enough to cope with whatever unfolds at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test.
“The stadium looks really good. (It’s) pretty consistent with what’s been here over the last few years,” he said.
“(a) Slight grass cover and feels nice and firm. They’ve done a great job here. I think it’s probably going to be the same with their pitching the last five or six years and this year as well.
“(But we will) see how the heat changes it. I will go to the site tomorrow and evaluate it. But it looks like a good wicket.
“(We) look at the pitch and get some idea of how we’re going to feel that day and then make decisions from there. So I think (the heat) is a factor.
“It was hot in Brisbane last week. Stacie and I bowled a lot in the heat, and (Nathan) Lyon also did well, so I don’t think it was too scary. But we wait and see. 39 can be pretty hot.”
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