Young Australian batter Sam Konstas has an excellent opportunity to claim a spot in the last two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) against India. Sam Konstas stated that he has improved as a batter since the start of the summer when he scored two centuries for New South Wales.
Konstas is seen as a promising talent for the next generation of cricket. He has been part of the selection debates after Australia’s top order struggled again at the Gabba. Australia has been the better team in the last two Tests after losing the first Test in Perth. The five-match Test series is currently tied at 1-1.
The 19-year-old batter started the Australian summer with twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield for NSW, followed by a century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India. Konstas has scored 736 runs this summer across the Sheffield Shield, One-Day Cup, Australia A, and BBL, along with his 107 for the PM’s XI.
Australia Selectors Set to Announce Squad for Boxing Day Test on Friday
Selectors were set to meet on Thursday to finalize plans for the upcoming fourth Test in Melbourne, with the Australia squad announcement expected on Friday. Australia’s opening batters, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, who have both struggled in the first three matches, have been under scrutiny.
Khawaja, who turned 38 on Wednesday, has not scored a half-century in his last 11 Test innings. He has an average of just 12.60 in the ongoing series, the lowest for any Australian opener in a home Test series of at least three matches since 1997. McSweeney has yet to prove his ability for the opening role.
I’m Trying to Learn from Him Each Time I Bat with Him – Sam Konstas
As selectors set to announce Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas acknowledged making mistakes but emphasized learning to be more fearless and take risks, drawing inspiration from his experiences batting with senior players.
“I’m understanding the scenarios of the game and when to take on the game. Trying to mature as a batsman. Obviously, I’m going to make some silly mistakes but I think understanding when to take the game on [is an area I’ve improved in],” Sam Konstas said.
“I’m trying to learn from him each time I bat with him [David Warner]. [He’s taught me] to try to be fearless and take the game on. Whatever happens, happens,” he added.
Pat Cummins Defends Australia Top Order After Collapse in Gabba Test
Sam Konstas’ comments came after Pat Cummins defended Australia’s second-innings collapse in the Gabba Test, where the team lost seven wickets for just 89 runs while chasing quick runs. Cummins stated that the top order should not be blamed for the collapse.
Cummins also defended chief selector George Bailey’s close relationship with players, emphasizing that the selection panel had proven their ability to make difficult decisions. Meanwhile, questions arose about Mitchell Marsh’s place in the squad after he only bowled two overs in Brisbane.
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