Sam Konstas emerged as an impressive opening outlet for Australia in turning the tide against India in their recent series win.
While the 19-year-old Sam Konstas made an instant impact in whites for Australia, ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting believes the young batter has a long way to go if he is to cement his status as a Test opener.
Sam Konstas scored a stunning 60 off 65 deliveries in his first Test innings for Australia, a knock laced with exquisite strokeplay such as a reverse lap for six off Jasprit Bumrah. He was added to the squad in place of Nathan McSweeney, who was only able to score 72 runs in the first three Tests. Both Sam Konstas and McSweeney have been included in Australia’s squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka.
Sam Konstas brilliant run of form earns him a call to the Australian National Team and his performance in BGT 2024-25
Sam Konstas has been in magnificent form in the Sheffield Shield being the second-highest run scorer for New South Wales (NSW) with 471 runs from eight innings at an average of 58.87 with two hundreds and one fifty.
Earlier, he also scored a magnificent hundred for Prime Minister’s XI against India during the pink-ball warm up fixture. Sam Konstas scored a sensational 107 (97) with the help of 14 fours and a six as he guided his team to a score of 240. He also scored a match-winning unbeaten 73 in the second unofficial Test against India A.
Sam Konstas represents New South Wales as a right-handed opener. He was born in Sydney and is an Australian of Greek descent. He made his Big Bash League debut this month for Sydney Thunder. Sam Konstas didn’t have a memorable outing in his first game after earning his maiden call up as he got dismissed for a three-ball duck. He got dismissed for a three-ball duck in his second Big Bash League match for Sydney Thunder against Sydney Sixers.
Having replaced Nathan McSweeney for the last two Tests vs India, Sam Konstas is set to make his international debut against world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The 19-year-old is expected to open the innings with Usman Khawaja in Melbourne. Both sides played out a draw in Brisbane, courtesy of rain, and the series is currently level at 1-1. The visitors began the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a win in Perth, to take a 1-0 lead. Then the hosts bounced back in Adelaide, which was also a pink-ball affair, to level the series.
Former Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin drops huge statement on Sam Konstas ahead of 2nd SL vs AUS Test 2025
Former Australia cricketer Brad Haddin wants Sam Konstas to play state cricket if he’s not in the team’s plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka. The former wicketkeeper-batter has urged the selectors to send him back after Travis Head opened alongside Usman Khawaja in the series opener in Galle.
The remarks came since Konstas has played just 13 first-class matches (22 innings), scoring 831 runs at an average of 39.57, including two tons and four half-centuries.
Haddin also backed Konstas to play in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa later this year. The 47-year-old said (via news.com.au):
“We’ve got to remember he’s (Konstas) 19 so if they’re not using him for the second Test I would send him home to play state cricket, he hasn’t played a lot and the more he plays the better. He would’ve had a good couple of weeks over there (Sri Lanka) learning, so if he’s not going to be needed, send him back home to bat.”
“We’ve seen how well Travis Head and Uzzie (Khawaja) played at the top of the order, I think he (Konstas) will come straight back in for the Test Championship,” he added.
Sam Konstas came into the limelight following his heroics on his Test debut against India last year. The right-handed batter smashed 60 off 65 balls in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test, dominating Jasprit Bumrah, who is touted as the best bowler of the modern era.
“He’s only a 19-year-old boy, the world is in front of him” – Brad Haddin on Sam Konstas
Brad Haddin pointed out that Sam Konstas is a high-quality player and has plenty of time in his career. The cricketer-turned-commentator said (as per the aforementioned source):
“He’s only a 19-year-old boy, the world is in front of him, we’re going to see a very good player for a very long time.”
“He’s come out of nowhere in the last six months because he’s such a high-quality player and is still learning the game,” he added.
Sam Konstas was last seen in action for the runners-up Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). He smashed 53 off 42 balls against Perth Scorchers. Meanwhile, Australia have retained the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy following an innings and 242-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test. The two teams will next lock horns in the second Test, which starts in Galle on Thursday, February 6.
As mentioned, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy after their innings and 242-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test. This win emphasizes the strength of Australia’s cricket team, even without Konstas in the team, where stand-in skipper Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis delivered a stellar ton.
Meanwhile, Haddin’s remarks open a wider debate on player development and selection strategies in Australian cricket. Haddin expects Konstas to be picked for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.