Sam Konstas has the skill and attitude to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself during the remaining Test series against India, according to Australia great Ricky Ponting.
Australia changed their lineup, calling up Konstas in lieu of Nathan McSweeney as the Border-Gavaskar Series was evenly balanced at 1-1 going into the last two Test matches.

As both nations strive for an unstoppable lead and crucial ICC World Test Championship points, Konstas, 19, will now make his international debut.
Ponting told The ICC Review, “I’ve seen a lot, there’s a lot of talent there, no doubt about it.”
“His performance against the Indians in the PM’s XI game, when he scored 107 runs, and his ability to play his first BBL game the other night… I am aware of the many forms, but you can tell that the skill is present along with a little attitude.
“And not a negative attitude, but one in which he wants to prove his goodness to the world because he knows it.”
Konstas garnered attention with a century against the visiting team when playing for the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day match against the touring Indians following the Perth Test.
Konstas has amassed 718 runs at an average of 42.2 in his 11 first-class games, including two hundreds and three half-centuries.
Despite his early success, Ponting emphasized that the uncapped hitter would still get nervous on his debut, particularly when facing Jasprit Bumrah, the top-ranked ICC Test bowler.
“That remains a challenge,” he stated. It’s a Test match. You’re playing your first Test match. Some of the world’s top bowlers are your opponents.
“In world cricket, it probably doesn’t get any larger at the moment. With Starc, Cummins, and Hazelwood in the lineup, it’s like every other nation making their opening batter debut against our bowling attack.
“Bumrah has undoubtedly been the most notable and perhaps the best fast bowler in Test cricket right now. Therefore, there is little question that Konstas will have a significant struggle there.
Ponting, though, is certain that Konstas will fight.
Ponting stated, “I don’t think he’s the kind of guy who’d be too worried about it.” “I believe it will delight him. With the way he plays, he’ll want to attempt to exert some pressure again.
It’s as if he’s not going to sit there and be a complete idiot. Either he will be up and gone or he will leave a little sooner than that.
“One of the things that I believe everyone likes about him is that he will try to force himself on the contest.”
On Thursday, December 26, Australia and India will start their fourth Test match.
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