Recalled opener Sam Konstas makes emotional admission ahead of Test return

Freshly recalled Australia teenager Sam Konstas admits his emotions got to him during his bold Test debut, but he has vowed to return a stronger player.
Konstas will return for his first Test since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider in January when Australia face the West Indies in a three-match series starting in Barbados on June 26.
The 19-year-old will replace Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped after being trialled as an opener in the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa.
Konstas stormed on to the international scene by ramping India superstar Jasprit Bumrah on his way to an unforgettable 60 last Boxing Day.
But he was overlooked for the two Tests in Sri Lanka earlier this year, then the WTC decider at Lord's last week.
Selectors have brought Konstas back into the fold for the Caribbean tour, planning ahead of this summer's Ashes.
'The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,' Konstas told reporters in Barbados of his whirlwind debut.
'It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game.
'I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game.
'I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on.
'It's a dream come true, to be honest.
'(To be) 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am.'
Labuschagne makes way for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, paying the price for an underwhelming previous WTC cycle.
The 30-year-old was the top-ranked Test batter in the world as recently as two years ago, but has averaged just 27.82 since then.
As well as Labuschagne, Australia will also be without Steve Smith, who is recovering from a dislocated finger suffered during a crucial moment in the WTC final.
'Obviously it's a tough team to crack and (it has) got legends of the game in that team,' Konstas said.
'Very excited for the opportunity, and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.
'I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked (recently).
'I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way.
'Hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.'

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