Apart from his skill with the bat, Konstas’ confidence has already left a mark on teammates at domestic level. In the Sheffield Shield game at the MCG earlier this season, he could be heard chirping at the home side’s batters, including sometime Test players Marcus Harris and Pete Handscomb.

“If he gets the chance to play, turn the stump mics up when he’s at short leg because he’s got some good banter,” Sean Abbott said of Konstas. “He’s a funny young kid, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about it if he gets an opportunity.

“[He was] just getting into blokes about being scared, as I would be if Starcy [Mitchell Starc] was bowling fast thunderbolts. It wouldn’t matter if it’s Rohit [Sharma] or me batting there, it’ll be exactly the same. You’re in for some entertainment.

“The way he approaches the game, it doesn’t bother him who he’s up against, whether its guys like Marcus Harris and Pete Handscomb who’ve got a fair bit of experience, but he was pretty unfazed ... it’s probably his most admirable attribute.”

Khawaja has looked fluent at the crease a few times this series, particularly the first innings in Brisbane, without going on from his starts. Konstas said the older man had sought him out and welcomed him to the squad in Melbourne on Sunday, and that they would speak further as the week went on.

“When I first watched him play it was with the Thunder probably, and hopefully I get to experience batting with him at the MCG,” Konstas said. “He’s a legend of the game, and I’m keen to learn from him.”

Konstas has never been in Melbourne for Boxing Day before. He nodded to his Greek heritage when quizzed on previous Christmas experiences, with plenty of food on offer but also some lengthy backyard batting sessions.

Of more recent value was that MCG Shield game, where Konstas was pinned lbw by Scott Boland on day one but recalibrated quickly to play well on day three amid a heavy defeat for NSW.

“He’s a world class bowler and this is his venue, everyone loves him, but it was a great challenge,” Konstas said. “He got me out, but I’m [playing against] the best bowlers, trying to get better, and understand different tactics.”

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Watson and Konstas have gelled over the mental skills of the game, something that is hoped will give the teenager a head start in terms of handling the enormity of the occasion. It’s quite a hurdle to be pondering.

“It’s happened really quick to be honest,” he said. “I wasn’t too fazed about it, I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person and just trying to live in the moment.”

And Watson’s advice? “Just another day at it, back myself and be fearless.”