- Sam Konstas continues to impress at the crease
- Young gun, 19, could be closing in on a Test debut
- Squad for Boxing Day Test named December 20
Rising star Sam Konstas has declared he is now a better batter than the one who started the summer with twin centuries for NSW, as selectors weigh up Australia’s squad for Boxing Day.
The shining light of cricket’s next generation, Konstas has found himself back in the selection debate after Australia’s shaky top order once again failed at the Gabba.
While Australia have been the better team over the past two Tests, the draw in Brisbane has left the series at 1-1 and India just one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Selectors were due to meet on Thursday to discuss plans ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne, with a squad to be announced as soon as Friday.
Australia are guaranteed to make one change to their XI, with local hero Scott Boland expected to come in for Josh Hazlewood after his series-ending calf injury.
The heat also remains on Australia’s openers, with neither Usman Khawaja or Nathan McSweeney locking in their spot this summer against a rampant Jasprit Bumrah.
Sam Konstas has declared he is now a better batter than the one who started the summer with twin tons for NSW, as selectors weigh up Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test
Konstas, 19, thrilled the crowd with a quick-fire half century for the Sydney Thunder in their BBL clash against Adelaide on December 17 in Canberra
Khawaja turned 38 on Wednesday, and has now gone 11 Test innings without scoring a half-century.
His series average of 12.6 is also the lowest of any Australia opener in a home Test series of at least three matches since Matthew Elliott’s against South Africa in 1997.
McSweeney was gutsy in Adelaide, but is also yet to show the opening role is right for him after only batting there for the first time for Australia A last month.
Konstas meanwhile, has been emphatically knocking on the door in domestic cricket.
The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer, catapulting into contention in October when he became youngest player since Ricky Ponting to hit twin tons in a Sheffield Shield game.
And he is eyeing off a baggy green sooner rather than later.
‘I’m understanding the scenarios of the game and when to take on the bowlers,’ Konstas said.
‘I’m [also] trying to mature as a batsman….it [batting awareness] is an area I’ve improved in.’
Konstas has scored 107 against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, a Sheffield Shield 88 for NSW and a quickfire 56 for Sydney Thunder in the BBL the past three weeks.
He is also relishing the chance to pick the brain of David Warner, opening alongside the veteran for the Thunder.
‘I’m trying to learn from him each time I bat with him,’ Konstas said.
‘He’s taught me to try to be fearless and take the game on. Whatever happens, happens.’
