Sam Konstas eager to secure Test place on tour to West Indies

At just 19 years old, Konstas has already played two matches for Australia and bagged his first Test 50, but his average across four innings is just below 30 which is far below what would be expected of a top Test batter.

Konstas scored 60 off 65 balls on debut against India but struggled in the other three innings of his short Test career so far and he admits playing in front a massive crowd against India got the better of him.

With Marnus Labuschagne being dropped from the Australia Test team and Steve Smith ruled out of the first game against the West Indies, Konstas will be given another chance to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.

It will be just his third Test cap after being overlooked for the series against Sri Lanka and the powers that be choosing to go with an out-of-form Labuschagne in the World Test Championship final.

Konstas is adamant he has grown mentally after experiencing his first couple of games for the Baggy Greens and is champing at the bit to show what he can do at the highest level of cricket.

"I'm just trying to control my breath and have a good relationship with my batting partner to talk about things and how to go through, especially heated moments, when the game changes," he said.

"I always try to get advice from Uzi [Usman Khawaja], Marnus, Smith, just seeing how they go about things. I'm lucky to be around them, especially at 19. Playing for your country, travelling the world, it really is a dream come true."

"For me, I just hope to grab an opportunity because it's such a strong side. I'm very grateful for that."