'See ball, hit ball': Sam Konstas ready for Boxing Day Test

Regardless of the occasion and the opposition, Sam Konstas will still be “see ball, hit ball” in the cauldron of the Boxing Day Test.

The 19-year-old is poised to make his Test debut for Australia in 40-degree conditions on Wednesday, potentially opening the batting against India great Jasprit Bumrah and rest of their vaunted attack.

But NSW teammate and fellow Australian squad member Sean Abbott said all that will not bother the teenager one bit.

“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 has some good banter,” Abbott said before Monday training at the MCG.

“He’s a funny young kid and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about it if he gets the opportunity.

“What he’s been able to achieve so far in Shield cricket, in such a short space of time, and the way he approaches the game, it does not bother him who he’s coming up against.

“From what I’ve seen so far, it’s probably his most admirable attribute.”

Abbott said no matter the opponent, Konstas is prepared to back himself - as shown by his comments while fielding in close.

“Just getting into blokes about being scared - as I would have been as well if Starcy (Mitch Starc) was bowling fast thunderbolts, quite short,” Abbott said.

“It wouldn’t matter if it’s Rohit (Sharma) or me batting there, he’s be exactly the same - we’ll be in for some entertainment.”

Konstas is close to Shane Watson, whose wife Lee manages him, and is being compared to the former Australia star.

The youngster said the advice from Watson ahead of his potential Test debut had been uncomplicated.

“Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless,” Konstas said.

“I admire Shane Watson a lot. I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers.

“He’s a legend of the game and hopefully I can do that this week on my debut. I don’t do too much on social media, but I will take it as a compliment.

“It’s pretty simple - just back myself and just ‘see ball, hit ball’ really.”

While Konstas has the impetuosity of youth, he is well aware of how big a Test debut this week would be for him.

“For me, what an amazing opportunity at my age - Pat Cummins and the group have welcomed me in, so I feel like (it’s) a family and it’s been awesome, a dream come true,” he said.

“Hopefully I get to represent my country.”

The Watsons and Konstas’ parents will be at the MCG on Thursday, with the teenager to learn over the next two days whether he will be in the XI.

Konstas has been one of the stories of this summer with his rapid rise and he is preparing as if he will play on Boxing Day.

“It’s a huge honour, as a kid I’ve always dreamed of it. I’m trying to keep it as simple as possible, get my prep right and see what happens,” he said.

“It’s happened really quick ... I wasn’t too fazed. But I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person and I’m just trying to live in the moment.”

The last time Konstas played at the MCG, he made three and 73no for Australia A last month against India A.

Nathan McSweeney and Marcus Harris were the other players in that game vying for national selection. McSweeney got the nod, but was dropped for this Test.

“It was a great learning, the first time facing a few of those bowlers and maybe that same environment - calling it a ‘bat-off’, I guess,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity, first time representing Australia A, learning different conditions, facing the bowlers.”