NEW DELHI: Teenager Sam Konstas presented a strong argument for Australia’s opening position with an unbeaten score of 73 on Saturday. His main competitors, Nathan McSweeney, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft, faltered leading up to the first Test against India.
Australia’s team for the first Test is anticipated to be revealed on Sunday. Konstas, age 19, reminded selectors of his abilities after a challenging beginning to the series.
In his three prior innings for Australia A against India A, he had struggled, scoring only 16, 0, and 3. However, he took advantage of his last chance by guiding Australia A to a six-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). They successfully chased down 168 to win.
Konstas hit seven fours and a six during his 128-ball stay, while Beau Webster finished unbeaten on 46.
Konstas’ tenacious innings followed a successful Sheffield Shield season, in which he catapulted himself into contention with consecutive hundreds for New South Wales. However, his recent performances for Australia A had cast doubt on his prospects of succeeding David Warner as Australia’s opener.
Meanwhile, his rivals struggled in their attempts to claim the coveted opening spot.
Nathan McSweeney, who had established himself as a frontrunner with scores of 39 and an unbeaten 88 in the previous match in Mackay, could only manage 14 and 25 at the MCG.
Marcus Harris, who is hoping to add to his 14 Test caps, followed up his solid 74 on Friday by falling for a golden duck in the second innings.
Cameron Bancroft, whose hopes of reviving his Test career were already fading after poor performances in Mackay, suffered a similar fate, also being removed for a golden duck.
With the first of five Tests against India beginning on November 22 in Perth, Australia’s selectors now face a difficult decision about who will open alongside Usman Khawaja.
