Australia's Sam Konstas remains uncertain about making his debut in the high-pressure environment of the fourth Test against India on Thursday.
However, he believes some sage advice from former Australian opener Shane Watson will serve him well if he gets the nod.
Konstas’ parents, along with former all-rounder Shane Watson and his wife Lee, who manages the teenager, will be at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26 to support him should he receive his baggy green cap.
Selected as a replacement for the dropped makeshift opener Nathan McSweeney, Konstas has already benefited from Watson’s counsel on tackling India's formidable bowling attack, including the likes of Jasprit Bumrah.
"Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless," Konstas recalled when he spoke to reporters on Monday.
"I admire Shane Watson a lot. I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers.
"He's a legend of the game and hopefully I can do that this week on my debut. It's pretty simple - just back myself and just 'see ball, hit ball' really."
The 19-year-old has been in scintillating form in first-class cricket this season, with standout performances including a century against an Indian selection in a tour match in Canberra and a gritty 73 against India “A” during his last visit to the MCG.
Amid Australia’s top-order struggles in the first three Tests, which left the series balanced at 1-1, there has been growing momentum for Konstas to join the team.
His attacking approach and calm demeanor have only strengthened his case for selection.
"It's a huge honor, as a kid I've always dreamed of it," he added.
"I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible, get my prep right and see what happens.
"It's happened really quick ... I wasn't too fazed. But I feel like I'm a pretty relaxed person and I'm just trying to live in the moment."
Australia and India will head into the Boxing Day Test with the series level at 1-1 after the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw.
Poor weather significantly affected the match, with just 24.1 overs bowled on the fifth day before the umpires called it off shortly after tea due to fading light and approaching rain.
The Boxing Day Test is set to begin on December 26 in Melbourne.
