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BARBADOS: Teenage Australian opener Sam Konstas has unveiled a special tattoo in tribute to his Test debut, commemorating his maiden appearance in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India last year at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Speaking to the media ahead of Australia’s opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, the 19-year-old displayed fresh ink on his forearm, Test cap number 468, a permanent reminder of his international breakthrough.
“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas told reporters on Saturday. “I told my parents straight away I was going to do it, so no dramas there.”
Just weeks after his debut, the young opener made a trip to a tattoo parlour in Sydney to etch the moment into memory.
But while he’s happy with the tribute, Konstas says that’s where the body art ends, at least for now.
With Marnus Labuschagne dropped due to poor form and Steve Smith ruled out with a finger injury, Konstas has been confirmed as a certain starter for the first Test against the West Indies starting June 25 in Barbados.
The right-hander’s Test career began with a bang when he smashed a fiery 60 against India on debut, taking on Jasprit Bumrah with a fearless array of unorthodox shots.
But what followed was a quick exit. His attacking style, while thrilling, drew criticism, with some branding it “reckless,” and he was axed after just one more Test in Sydney.
Now back on the side, Sam Konstas is aiming for redemption — and a more measured approach.
“I still can’t believe it,” he said, reflecting on his whirlwind debut.
“The emotions probably got to me, especially with the crowd in Melbourne. But it was good to have some time off and reflect. I’ve worked hard on strengthening my game. Hopefully, we win the next Test match.”
Konstas admitted he may have let the moment get to his head during those two Tests, but insists he’s learning to balance aggression with responsibility.
“I’m not trying to prove to anyone how I’m going to play,” he added.
“I just want to be myself, but also know when to take the game on. I trust the people I work with — they understand my game.”
READ: Sam Konstas ready to prove critics wrong in West Indies Test
