Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, knows the nerves that come with a high-profile Test debut and is offering advice to young Sam Konstas, who is set to make his debut against India in the Boxing Day Test.

At just 19 years old, Konstas has been a rising star in Australian domestic cricket, and his inclusion at the expense of Nathan McSweeney has generated significant attention.

Recalling his own debut at 18, Cummins shared how his initial feelings were marked by a sense of naivety, which helped him avoid overthinking the magnitude of the occasion. "I was just really excited, and I think it’s the same for Sammy this week. There’s an innocence in just wanting to play the game like you did as a kid," Cummins said. He advised Konstas to embrace the moment, "Take the game on, have fun, and don't overthink it."

Cummins also reflected on his debut in 2011, recalling his humorous thoughts about being an 18-year-old in the team. "If I didn't have a great game, I thought, it wasn't my fault - it was the selectors' for picking me," he laughed. "Just enjoy it - it doesn't get better than Boxing Day."

The skipper believes Konstas will benefit from the calming presence of 38-year-old Usman Khawaja, who offers a wealth of experience at the other end. "While experience has its value, there's also something special about the freedom and naivety of a young player," Cummins noted.

Looking ahead to the Boxing Day Test, Cummins acknowledged the potential challenge posed by India’s star players, such as Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Despite their recent form struggles, he expects them to provide significant opposition. "They're good players and will throw challenges at us at some point," he said.

When asked about Rohit Sharma's form, Cummins pointed to past performances, including Ajinkya Rahane's century as stand-in captain in Melbourne. "Rohit's form doesn't change the fact that Boxing Day tests are always special," he added.

With the Indian team in a state of transition, Cummins emphasized the importance of focusing on his own squad. "We've been playing well, and for us, it's about focusing on our strengths and enjoying the week ahead," he said.

In team news, Travis Head is fit to play after recovering from a quadriceps niggle, and Cummins expressed confidence in the balance of the squad. Despite a heatwave forecast for the MCG, Cummins believes the wicket will offer consistent conditions, with Nathan Lyon expected to play a key role as an experienced spinner. “The pitch looks good, with a bit of grass coverage, and we'll assess it further tomorrow," he concluded. PTI