Sam Konstas Archives

Struggling Test opener Konstas sent on Australia A tour of India

Struggling Test opener Sam Konstas has been picked in the Australia A squad for the red-ball tour of India next month, with chief selector George Bailey saying the experience will be invaluable.

The 19-year-old, who had a horror time during Australia’s recent senior tour of the West Indies, was the only incumbent Test player selected for two four-day games in Lucknow.

Test-capped players Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, and Nathan McSweeney were also in the 14-man squad.

A separate Australia A squad was named for three one-day games.

“The subcontinent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilise different skills with bat and ball,” said Bailey.

“We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future subcontinent tours.

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“For many of these players, we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well, but balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season.”

Sam Konstas made headlines in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he took on Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a blazing debut 60 with a succession of unorthodox shots.

He lasted one more Test before being jettisoned, only to win back his place for the West Indies Test series in June-July.

However, he failed to pass 25 in six innings with his hold on the position increasingly shaky ahead of Australia’s home Ashes series against England this year.

Australia A four-day squad: Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott

Australia A one-day squad: Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler

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Ricky Ponting backs THIS batter to open alongside Usman Khawaja in Ashes

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind 19-year-old Sam Konstas to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Ashes series later this year.

Speaking to ICC Digital, Ponting shared his thoughts on Australia’s top-order options for both the Ashes and the beginning of their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, urging selectors to persist with Konstas despite his recent struggles.

“The batters that they’re talking about in the last couple of weeks in particular have been Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja, and then there was some talk about Cameron Green, whether he’s a long-term number three or not,” Ponting said.

Ponting also hinted that Green’s gritty second-innings knock in the Caribbean may have cemented his place at No. 3.

“Green’s second innings in the West Indies might have put that to bed. As tough as the conditions were, the way he batted might have silenced a few of those critics,” he added.

Sam Konstas, meanwhile, endured a nightmare tour of the West Indies, managing just 50 runs across six innings.

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However, Ricky Ponting believes his form shouldn’t be judged in isolation, pointing to the extremely challenging conditions during that series.

“I read a really interesting piece by Robert Craddock about how they tried to protect Sam from the Sri Lanka tour, thinking the Caribbean would be easier,” he added.

“But it turned out the pitches in Sri Lanka were better for batting and the West Indies surfaces were really tough.”

Despite the lean run, Ponting urged Konstas to block out the noise and trust the process.

“If I were him, I’d be sticking to one or two trusted voices and ignoring the rest. It’s hard in today’s world with media and social platforms, but keeping your preparation and mindset clear is essential,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Sam Konstas burst onto the scene last year with a fearless 60 off 65 balls on debut against India in the Boxing Day Test, going after Jasprit Bumrah with authority.

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WATCH: Sam Konstas reveals tattoo honoring his Test debut against India

BARBADOS: Teenage Australian opener Sam Konstas has unveiled a special tattoo in tribute to his Test debut, commemorating his maiden appearance in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India last year at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Speaking to the media ahead of Australia’s opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados, the 19-year-old displayed fresh ink on his forearm, Test cap number 468, a permanent reminder of his international breakthrough.

“I got my Test number, 468, tattooed on my forearm,” Konstas told reporters on Saturday. “I told my parents straight away I was going to do it, so no dramas there.”

Just weeks after his debut, the young opener made a trip to a tattoo parlour in Sydney to etch the moment into memory.

But while he’s happy with the tribute, Konstas says that’s where the body art ends, at least for now.

With Marnus Labuschagne dropped due to poor form and Steve Smith ruled out with a finger injury, Konstas has been confirmed as a certain starter for the first Test against the West Indies starting June 25 in Barbados.

The right-hander’s Test career began with a bang when he smashed a fiery 60 against India on debut, taking on Jasprit Bumrah with a fearless array of unorthodox shots.

But what followed was a quick exit. His attacking style, while thrilling, drew criticism, with some branding it “reckless,” and he was axed after just one more Test in Sydney.

Now back on the side, Sam Konstas is aiming for redemption — and a more measured approach.

“I still can’t believe it,” he said, reflecting on his whirlwind debut.

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“The emotions probably got to me, especially with the crowd in Melbourne. But it was good to have some time off and reflect. I’ve worked hard on strengthening my game. Hopefully, we win the next Test match.”

Konstas admitted he may have let the moment get to his head during those two Tests, but insists he’s learning to balance aggression with responsibility.

“I’m not trying to prove to anyone how I’m going to play,” he added.

“I just want to be myself, but also know when to take the game on. I trust the people I work with — they understand my game.”

READ: Sam Konstas ready to prove critics wrong in West Indies Test

“I’ve come a long way”: Konstas ready to prove critics wrong in West Indies Test

Teenage Australia opener Sam Konstas said on Saturday that he had “come a long way” from his combative debut against India after winning his place back for the opening Test against the West Indies.

The 19-year-old made headlines in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he took on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a blazing debut 60 with a slew of unorthodox shots.

But he only lasted one more Test before being jettisoned, with some pundits seeing his batting as “reckless”.

With a struggling Marnus Labuschagne dropped for the opening Test in Barbados on June 25 and Steve Smith out nursing an injured finger, Konstas has another chance, confirmed as a certain starter.

“The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,” Konstas, who has his Test cap No.468 tattooed on his forearm, said of his explosive Boxing Day knock.

“I’ve been trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and I feel like I’ve come a long way, so hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.”

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Sam Konstas is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, 19 years his senior, with an opportunity to cement the position as his own.

Since David Warner retired some 18 months ago, Australia have tried five openers, including Konstas, and with an Ashes series against England later this year, they need stability.

“Very excited. Obviously, it’s a tough team to crack into as we’ve got legends of the game,” said the teenager. “Hopefully, I grab my opportunity with both hands.”

“It’s a dream come true to be honest, 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world. I’m very lucky to be where I am currently.”

Australia is set to play three Tests against the West Indies, with the first game scheduled to begin on June 25 in Barbados.

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Cricket Australia hands central contract to Sam Konstas ahead of Ashes

Explosive young opening batter Sam Konstas was on Tuesday awarded his first central contract by Cricket Australia (CA) for the 2025-26 season, which includes the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the Ashes against England.

The 19-year-old Konstas made headlines against India in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test when he took on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a memorable debut 60 off 65 balls, with six fours and two sixes.

Konstas is one of 23 men’s players on the Cricket Australia contracted list issued Tuesday.

“In Sam [Konstas] we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first-class level and in the international environment,” said Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey.

Also new to the list is left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who was player of the series in the 2-0 Test win in Sri Lanka earlier this year with 16 wickets.

The 28-year-old was then reported by match officials for a suspect bowling action but subsequently cleared after testing at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

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“Matt was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months,” said Bailey.

All-rounder Beau Webster, who scored 57 on his Test debut in the fifth India Test at Sydney and then hit the winning runs in the second innings, was retained after being upgraded to the contracted list during last season.

“In Beau’s case he proved more than comfortable at Test level with bat and ball, adds an additional dimension in the field and to the balance of the side,” Bailey said.

Australia will play South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June followed by three Tests in the West Indies.

Cricket Australia contracted men’s players 2025-26: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa

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Virat Kohli penalised for on-field altercation with Sam Konstas

DUBAI: India batter Virat Kohli has been penalised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his on-field altercation with young Australia batter Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Indian veteran made forceful contact with the 19-year-old debutant, who kicked off his international career in style, at the conclusion of the 10th over.

As the over came to a close, Kohli, clearly displaying his frustration, strode past Konstas and intentionally collided with him shoulder to shoulder, which was followed by a heated exchange of words between the two players.

Usman Khawaja, Konstas’ fellow opener, and umpire Michael Gough quickly stepped in to defuse the tension and restore order on the field.

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The incident was categorized as a violation of the ICC Code of Conduct, leading to Virat Kohli being fined 20% of his match fee and receiving a demerit point for his conduct during the match.

Sam Konstas, undeterred by the incident, belted Indian bowlers around the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on his way to a blistering 60 off 65 balls.

During the post-match news conference, Konstas played down the incident, calling it a part of the game.

“I was just doing my gloves and I think he accidentally bumped me. But that’s just cricket, the tension,” said the teenager, Australia’s youngest-ever opener.

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Nathan McSweeney dropped from Australia squad for fourth India Test

Cricket Australia (CA) has included uncapped teenager Sam Konstas in the squad for the fourth Test against India, replacing opening batter Nathan McSweeney on Friday.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson was also included in the 15-man lineup to give the team more options with Josh Hazlewood sidelined by a right calf injury.

The two sides are locked at 1-1 in the five-Test series with India needing one more win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

McSweeney had played in all three Tests so far after winning the race to replace the retired David Warner at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja.

But the 25-year-old, who is not a specialist opener, struggled to assert himself, particularly against Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His highest score was 39 and he was dismissed for nine and four in the third Test at Brisbane.

In contrast, 19-year-old Sam Konstas has been in sizzling domestic form with calls mounting to bring him into the international fold.

Earlier this season, he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match. He also slammed a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.

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His inclusion does not necessarily mean he will play, with reserve batsman Josh Inglis also a potential opening partner for Khawaja.

“Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We remain confident Nathan [McSweeney] has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.

“It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different lineup for the next two matches.”

Despite Richardson returning to the squad after a wretched run with injuries, Scott Boland is widely expected to replace Hazlewood in the starting XI alongside fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space,” said Bailey. “It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer.”

Australia squad for the fourth Test against India: Pat Cummins (capt), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

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