- Sam Konstas has entertained, dazzled and impressed over the last fortnight
- The Australian star enjoyed a good start to the life of Test cricket in the Melbourne Test.
- At 19, Konstas also faced cricket royalty Virat Kohli.
In Sam Konstas’ whirlwind fortnight, the Australian teenager took on cricket royalty, swept Jasprit Bumrah and even turned up to a Prime Minister’s reception wearing a pair of Adidas Sambas.
The 19-year-old is one of the biggest talking points in world cricket at the moment, both for his excellence with bat in hand and his affable personality.
From now on, things are only going to change for Konstas. One big change that could happen soon could be related to his playing contract and his status on the team.
If the 18-year-old Australian star plays in any of Australia’s upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka later this month, Konstas, according to The daily telegraphHe obtained a bonus of $225,000.
By playing a third Test, Konstas would receive a Cricket Australia central contract, which may be worth around $346,641.
The new deal would also see the 19-year-old paid the difference between his new contract and his current contract with New South Wales.
The Australian opener batsman has wowed fans with his skill and confidence.
Australian batting sensation Sam Konstas could receive a significant pay rise if he is chosen to play in this month’s tour of Sri Lanka.
Konstas (left) notably clashed with Jasprit Bumrah (right) during the Sydney Test match.
He was also seen taunting Virat Kohli in the Boxing Day Test after the former India captain hit him on the shoulder.
He would come out on debut in front of a crowd of 100,000 fans at the MCG, before smashing 60 runs off 65 balls, hitting two sixes and six fours.
While he struggled to score in the Sydney Test last week, making a combined total of 45 runs, Konstas was also embroiled in a war of words with Jasprit Bumrah.
The India bowler appeared to chide Usman Khawaja for not getting ready quickly enough, and Konstas came to his batting partner’s aid. He and Bumrah exchanged fiery words before moving on.
Later, when Bumrah dismissed Khawaja on the last ball of the first day, Konstas was attacked by several Indian players, which Andrew McDonald called “intimidating”.
His words were met with a vehement rebuttal from Gautam Gambhir, who stated that Konstas “can’t be that soft.”
‘It’s a tough sport played by tough men; You can’t be that soft,’ he added before stating that he didn’t think there was anything intimidating about the flash point.
Despite that, Pat Cummins has come out in defense of the teenage firecracker.
The Australian captain said of Konstas: “I think people confuse a little bit of trust with bullying or abuse.
Konstas (pictured) was hailed by his captain Pat Cummins, who said the 19-year-old had been “really good in this series”.
“You are allowed to walk with your shoulders back and play a few cricket shots.
“I don’t think that’s illegal, but some people are really offended by it and want to put it back in its place.”
‘We tell all our players the same thing: just go for it every day and be yourself. Talk about how you think best represents you and how you want to play.
“I think he’s been really good in this series. He stood up for himself when necessary.
Australia will now begin renewing its central contracts in March.
It would be strange not to see Konstas’ name off that list considering his dizzying fifteen days.
Meanwhile, Cummins appears to have ruled himself out of the series, as he and his partner are expecting their second child.
His successor will be Steve Smith, who will oversee captaincy duties as the team travels to Sri Lanka.