- Sam Konstas continues to impress at the crease
- The 19-year-old could be getting closer to his Test debut
- Team for Boxing Day test named on December 20
Rising star Sam Konstas has declared he is now a better batsman than the one who started the summer with twin centuries for New South Wales, as selectors weigh up Australia’s Boxing Day squad.
Konstas, the shining light of cricket’s next generation, has found himself back in the selection debate after Australia’s shaky top order failed once again at the Gabba.
While Australia have been the better team in the last two Tests, the draw in Brisbane left the series 1-1 and India are 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 the team to be announced on Friday.
Australia are guaranteed to make one change to their XI, with local hero Scott Boland expected to replace Josh Hazlewood following his series-ending calf injury.
The pressure also continues on Australia’s openers, with neither Usman Khawaja nor Nathan McSweeney securing their place this summer against a rampaging Jasprit Bumrah.
Sam Konstas has declared he is now a better batsman than the one who started the summer with two tons for NSW, as selectors assess 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 already gone 11 Test innings without scoring a half-century.
Their 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 brave in Adelaide but is yet to prove the starting role is right for him after batting there for the first time for Australia A last month.
Meanwhile, Konstas has been knocking emphatically on the door of domestic cricket.
The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer, catapulting himself into contention in October when he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to hit two tons in a Sheffield Shield game.
And sooner rather than later it’s looking toward a baggy green.
“I’m understanding the game scenarios and when to confront the players,” Konstas said.
“(I’m also) trying to mature as a hitter… (hitting awareness) is an area I’ve improved in.”
Konstas 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 in the last three weeks.
He is also enjoying the opportunity to pick the brain of David Warner, starting alongside the Thunder veteran.
“I’m trying to learn from him every time I bat with him,” Konstas said.
“He taught me to try not to be afraid and take on the game.” Whatever happens, happens.’