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Teenager Sam Konstas was named in Australia A squad to face India A later this month (October 31 – November 4 and November 7-10), propelling him to Test contention with the senior sides slated to meet in a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy in November.
On Monday, the Australian national selection panel announced a 17-player squad which will face the tourists in two four-day encounters.The performances in the contests could play a big role in deciding who forms the final Australia squad for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Following confirmation that all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the summer after deciding to undergo surgery on his back issue, a spot in the Australian Test team has become available.
Additionally, it was confirmed that Steve Smith would return to his place in the middle order. Smith had opened alongside Usman Khawaja since David Warner’s retirement but the experiment failed to bear fruit.
The Australia A squad, led by Nathan McSweeney, also has Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris but it is the inclusion of Konstas that has stood out.
Who is Sam Konstas?
Kontas, 19, received a call-up following twin centuries against South Australia in the first match of the Sheffield Shield – Australia’s domestic tournament – becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat since the legendary Ricky Ponting in 1993.
Playing only his fifth first-class match, Konstas has vaulted himself into the discussion for the opener slot alongside domestic veterans Harris and Bancroft.
Konstas will eye the opening slot which has been left vacant with Green’s absence and Smith’s drop to the middle order.
“We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season,” Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.
“He’s in the mix as are plenty of others. I certainly don’t want to single him out,” Bailey said. “Think the consistency of Cam Bancroft over a number of years, the consistency of Marcus Harris over a number of years, they’ve both had a look at Test cricket as well, so don’t think there’s a need at this stage to put any undue pressure or expectation on Sam.
“He’s five games into his first-class career, he’s had a good start and certainly looks like he has a well-organised game that we are really exited [about] and looking forward to seeing at the A level and we’ll continue to watch as that progresses.”
“As always with Australia A selection we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer, whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield.
“Australia A squads are pleasingly challenging to select which highlights the depth and talent coming through to accompany those more senior players on the edge of international recall.
“It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation looking to prepare for what is going to be a captivating summer of Test cricket.”
Watson as mentor
New South Wales head coach Greg Shipperd praised Konstas, saying he is a player who has the potential to play for the senior team.
“It was all heading in the right direction as he finished off last season. He was a breath of fresh air around the group in terms of his energy and his commitment to his craft. He trains beautifully… loves batting, loves scoring. He doesn’t overplay situations; he found a really nice balance early on in his career.
“If it’s a drive, it’s a drive or if it’s a cut, it’s a cut, he’s not really fazed with balls around that head area. It was terrific for him. He had some games before the Shield match where he made a couple of mental mistakes, but he really readjusted that quickly and got in the contest against South Australia and was phenomenal.
“I’ve seen young players come through over my journey of 50 years and he’s a special one. We’re looking forward to him playing well for us and I believe he is an Australian player in waiting,” said Shipperd to SEN 1170 Mornings show.
Shippered revealed Konstas counts former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson as a mentor.
“He has developed this process of his own across his career with a lot of good support around him. Shane Watson is someone he talks to quite often around that level of cricket. Out in the middle you are on your own, you have got to make a decision every ball…he is hungry for runs, loves batting,” he said.
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