Australian teenagers Konstas are ready for the Indian Pace Challenge

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Teenage opener Sam Konstas says he is ready and equipped to take on India’s feared pace attack in the Boxing Day Test after being called up to Australia’s squad for the first time.

The 19-year-old is set to open alongside veteran Usman Khawaja – twice his age at 38 – at a sold-out Melbourne Cricket Ground after Nathan McSweeney was removed after just three Tests.

“I’m very excited,” he told Fox Sports after being dismissed for a three-ball duck playing for Sydney Thunder in the Twenty20 Big Bash League on Saturday.

“I want to be challenged and I have a few plans against India’s bowlers. I feel like I’m moving really nicely so hopefully I’ll get that opportunity.”

Australia’s top order has been terrorized by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah during the first three Tests of the five-match series, which is locked at 1-1.

While McSweeney paid the price, Khawaja is also under pressure after a lean spell.

Konstas is not a guaranteed starter, with Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster also in the squad as other options.

Should he fill in, he would become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since skipper Pat Cummins took the field against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2011

Konstas pounced on the frame after becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.

He also slammed a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.

Konstas hit the net last week when he got the call from Australian selector George Bailey.

“I was so excited and called my parents straight away and they were very emotional,” he said.

“Mum was in tears so I tried not to cry. Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs.”

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