[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Sam Konstas: A talented Australian batter

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Sam Konstas is an Australian cricketer who represents New South Wales and the Australia Under 19s. He is a right-hand bat and a right-arm offbreak bowler.

He made his first-class debut against Tasmania in November 2023. In December 2023, Konstas signed his first professional contract with the Big Bash team Sydney Thunder.

Konstas made a century against the West Indies in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. He scored his first century in first-class cricket against South Australia on 8 October 2024, with 152 runs off 241 deliveries.

Notably, Konstas made another century in the second innings of the same match, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat in the Sheffield Shield since Ricky Ponting in 1993.
 
Age no bar as McDonald eyes uncapped teenager for Australia’s opening spot in Border-Gavaskar series

Australia coach Andrew McDonald is open to including the 19-year-old batter in the playing XI for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against India.

Andrew McDonald is considering placing Sam Konstas in the vacant opener's position against India if the coaching staff believes he fits into their best XI.

The 19-year-old has made a strong case for the opening position, scoring a century in each innings for New South Wales during the Sheffield Shield opener against South Australia and followed it up with a gritty 43 in the second match against Victoria.

Although Konstas has yet to make his international debut, he has made a remarkable start to his first-class career. Earlier this year, he contributed to Australia’s success in the U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024, being a vital member of the winning team.

Steve Smith, who was trialled as an opener in four Tests following David Warner’s retirement, is expected to return to his No. 4 position. This move will leave the opening spot available for Usman Khawaja’s partner at the top of the order.

Discussing the team combinations, McDonald told ABC TV's Offsiders on Sunday, "Any time we're picking a Test team ... we're picking the best team for here and now.

"If that does encompass a younger player, then we'll head down that direction.

"Clearly Sam Konstas on the back of his first Shield match, and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland has definitely made some noise.

"If they're ready, they're ready in our mind, and if Sam's capable and we feel as though he's capable to fill that spot, I don't think the opponent should come into the equation.

"You've got to start against someone, and you shouldn't be so-called holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent.''

 

How's Prithvi Shaw going: Australian coach doesn't want Sam Konstas to be rushed​


Renowned Australian batting coach Neil D'Costa is against the idea of rushing young opening batter Sam Konstas into international cricket and feels Cricket Australia (CA) should tread lightly giving India’s Prithvi Shaw’s example. Konstas has been in terrific form in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament.

The 19-year-old has scored 302 runs from two matches for New South Wales in the ongoing season so far at an average of 75.50 with two centuries to his name. Konstas’ terrific form has sparked conversations of fast-tracking him into the Australian Test team for the upcoming five-match Test series against India.

However, Neil D’Costa is of the opinion that exposing him early to Test cricket could shorten his career from 100 matches to just ten.

"He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests. Let him understand the grounds (in Australia), understand the flows (of the game), understand himself and understand the game. If he's good enough, he will get the runs, and he'll be in (the team in) a little bit," D'Costa was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

Further speaking ahead, D’Costa called the Idea ‘ridiculous’ giving Prithvi Shaw’s example.

“It's just ridiculous (talk of rushing him in). How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in,” he added.

 

How's Prithvi Shaw going: Australian coach doesn't want Sam Konstas to be rushed​


Renowned Australian batting coach Neil D'Costa is against the idea of rushing young opening batter Sam Konstas into international cricket and feels Cricket Australia (CA) should tread lightly giving India’s Prithvi Shaw’s example. Konstas has been in terrific form in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament.

The 19-year-old has scored 302 runs from two matches for New South Wales in the ongoing season so far at an average of 75.50 with two centuries to his name. Konstas’ terrific form has sparked conversations of fast-tracking him into the Australian Test team for the upcoming five-match Test series against India.

However, Neil D’Costa is of the opinion that exposing him early to Test cricket could shorten his career from 100 matches to just ten.

"He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests. Let him understand the grounds (in Australia), understand the flows (of the game), understand himself and understand the game. If he's good enough, he will get the runs, and he'll be in (the team in) a little bit," D'Costa was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

Further speaking ahead, D’Costa called the Idea ‘ridiculous’ giving Prithvi Shaw’s example.

“It's just ridiculous (talk of rushing him in). How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in,” he added.

Is he that good?
 
"He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests. Let him understand the grounds (in Australia), understand the flows (of the game), understand himself and understand the game. If he's good enough, he will get the runs, and he'll be in (the team in) a little bit," D'Costa was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.


Sounds like the stuff that happens in Pakistan all the time! Doubt Aus will take this punt..
 
Sam Konstas expressed his desire to face India’s premier speedster, Jasprit Bumrah, during an interview with a local media outlet:

"I was watching quite a bit. Bumrah is a skilful player, obviously, and probably the best in the world. Hopefully, one day I can face him and see how we go. I feel confident [in my game]. I’ve been training really hard and it’s a great opportunity to play against the best players."

"I’ve been practicing it a little bit with Tim Paine, but yeah, good to get a few away. Tim just told us to have good intent and put pressure on them and treat it like a 46-over game. So I was just trying to keep things simple and just trying to stick to my plans."
 
Right-handed batter Sam Konstas, who is just 19 years old, made everyone take notice of his talent as he smashed a stunning century against India for Australia Prime Minister's XI in the pink-ball practice game at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

All you need to know about Sam Konstas
The right-handed batter, Konstas was born on October 2, 2005. He plays domestic cricket for New South Wales. Recently, he slammed twin hundreds in the Sheffield Shield match against South Australia, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat in Sheffield Shield since Ricky Ponting in 1993.

He was also recently named in Australia's U19 squad for the tour to England. He then represented Australia in the U19 World Cup, and in a match against West Indies, he smashed 108 runs off 121 balls.

It was in November 2023 that he made his first-class debut against Tasmania. Last year, Sydney Thunder also signed him in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Konstas has been making headlines ever since his name was deliberated upon by Australian selectors for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. However, the youngster was not picked in the squad as he was pipped by Nathan McSweeney.

I think he will be the next big star for Australia. What are your thoughts?
 
Australia has named a 15-member squad for 4th and 5th test against India and Sam is one of those guys.

Could he be the new opener for Australia after a failed campaign of Mcsweeny??
 
Australia has named a 15-member squad for 4th and 5th test against India and Sam is one of those guys.

Could he be the new opener for Australia after a failed campaign of Mcsweeny??
This guy has 11 FC games and they want him to face Bumrah? 🤦🏻🤦🏻
 
This guy has 11 FC games and they want him to face Bumrah? 🤦🏻🤦🏻
Harsh on McSweeney but I think its a move in the right direction. All of Aus's top 4 are old fashioned tuk tukers, this won't work in modern day test cricket. Their SR is way too low, its probably a result of Australian pitches at the moment being very tough to bat on.

All of Australia's current top 4 could be replaced after the ashes.
 
He's a bright prospect but he has significant weaknesses in his game. Particularly against the in-swinger.
 
Not a big gamble by Aussies if delivered could end BGT, if not then what was Mcsweeney doing anyway?
 
whoa, Konstas was born in 2005 after that historic Ashes series, I feel so old. :sick:
 
Mcsweeney bullied out of the side.Gotta feel for the guy who had to face Bumrah with new ball. He faced Bumrah in toughest of conditions. Although Bumrah has great record at the MCG i still think it is relatively easier to face Bumrah here than the other 3 venues.
 
McSweeney was only going to be a stop gap option for Australia. Ponting was the one who started pushing for McSweeney to open in Tests. A below 40 averaging middle order batter opening against good pacers on tricky conditions was never going to be fruitful. Aus has handed debuts to worse players than McSweeney in the past like Rob Quiney and Nic Maddinson.
 
Sam Konstas, who will be 19 years and 85 days old on Boxing Day will be Australia’s fourth-youngest male Test cricketer if he makes his debut at the MCG
 
Sam Konstas to the BBL’s broadcasters mid-game about his maiden Test call-up:

“I was in the nets and I got the call from George Bailey, he told me I was in the Test squad so I called my parents straight away, they were very emotional. I’ll meet up with the team tomorrow and go from there."

“Mum was in tears, I was trying not to cry and Dad was super proud. It’s been an amazing journey with all the ups and downs so I’m very grateful for this."
 
Australia really are in dire need of a Test opener if they are now debuting Sam Konstas. Not that he is any bad but for Australia when they had Warner and Khawaja opening for so long. It is hard to think they don't have anyone ready next in line to replace either of them.
 
I'm worried about Australia's future now.

They've tried Jake fraser, Nathan Mcsweeny, Mattew Short and now Sam konstas as Warner's replacement?

Firstly aus needs to be patient, a replacement for Warner ain't gonna be found overnight.

Secondly you already have Travis head as warner's replacement lol.

Aus needs to look for a solid all format opener now
 
I am not sure that judging a young opener after facing Bumrah in tough conditions is right way to go.

Yes, replcement may score runs in the next match, but I think conditions were tough in initial overs in the first 3 tests. When wickets fell quickly , no one really scored runs. I know Head/Smith got tons but it came mostly with older balls when conditions were easier to bat.

Anyway, new opener may do better but I feel you got to give a long rope and not judge openers after facing Bumrah in these conditions for 2-3 tests. Some one good may be unnecessarily discarded.
 
I am not sure that judging a young opener after facing Bumrah in tough conditions is right way to go.

Yes, replcement may score runs in the next match, but I think conditions were tough in initial overs in the first 3 tests. When wickets fell quickly , no one really scored runs. I know Head/Smith got tons but it came mostly with older balls when conditions were easier to bat.

Anyway, new opener may do better but I feel you got to give a long rope and not judge openers after facing Bumrah in these conditions for 2-3 tests. Some one good may be unnecessarily discarded.
Head and Smith are literally the most experienced players from aus?

Head is literally the best allformat batter in the world atm and Smith despite his rubbish form post 2020, is still an atg in test cricket and the best aus test batter after bradman?

Its unfair to compare these 2 to McSweeney who literally made his debut and had to face bumrah left and right?
 
I'm worried about Australia's future now.

They've tried Jake fraser, Nathan Mcsweeny, Mattew Short and now Sam konstas as Warner's replacement?

Firstly aus needs to be patient, a replacement for Warner ain't gonna be found overnight.

Secondly you already have Travis head as warner's replacement lol.

Aus needs to look for a solid all format opener now
Aussie dearth of talent for test level is worrying.

For a very long time they had players who averaged 45+ in domestic cricket and would play the shield in Aussie summer and then play county for the rest of the year.

They don't have that talent depth anymore.

I was surprised at Mcsweney selection as opener in such an important player. Back in the day Aussies could have a 30 year old domestic pro as a stop gap for a bit rather than throwing uncooked kids into the lions den.
 
Aussie dearth of talent for test level is worrying.

For a very long time they had players who averaged 45+ in domestic cricket and would play the shield in Aussie summer and then play county for the rest of the year.

They don't have that talent depth anymore.

I was surprised at Mcsweney selection as opener in such an important player. Back in the day Aussies could have a 30 year old domestic pro as a stop gap for a bit rather than throwing uncooked kids into the lions den.
Ik, the whole team is filled with 30 to 37 year old atm. Even hazlewood's replacement boland is 35.

The 20 year old prodigies are decreasing day by day
 
Head and Smith are literally the most experienced players from aus?

Head is literally the best allformat batter in the world atm and Smith despite his rubbish form post 2020, is still an atg in test cricket and the best aus test batter after bradman?

Its unfair to compare these 2 to McSweeney who literally made his debut and had to face bumrah left and right?
I wasn't comparing. I don't think a young opener should be judged based on how he did against an ATG after 2-3 tests in tough conditions. Many are judging him harshly.

Head is clearly the best performer and has 2 tons. But even his tons came when he came to bat with ball being 30-50 overs old. Openers have to face the ball when bowler is fresh and ball is hard/doing more.

Hope he is not permanently discarded even if replacement scores runs in the next test. Needs to have 2 settled opener before the next Ashes. Series should not be played with entirely aging team or entire team in transition. Replacing Warner in home conditions is not easy but selectors need to give an extrended run to few openers otherwise some one good may be discarded early.
 
I wasn't comparing. I don't think a young opener should be judged based on how he did against an ATG after 2-3 tests in tough conditions. Many are judging him harshly.

Head is clearly the best performer and has 2 tons. But even his tons came when he came to bat with ball being 30-50 overs old. Openers have to face the ball when bowler is fresh and ball is hard/doing more.

Hope he is not permanently discarded even if replacement scores runs in the next test. Needs to have 2 settled opener before the next Ashes. Series should be played with entirely aging team or entire team in transition. Replacing Warner in home conditions is not easy but selectors need to give an extrended runs to few openers otherwise some one good may be discarded early.
Tbf, Nathan Mcsweeny isn't a replacement for Warner.

Warner is an allformat batter. Mcsweeny even if successful can only be a test and odi replacement.
 
Tbf, Nathan Mcsweeny isn't a replacement for Warner.

Warner is an allformat batter. Mcsweeny even if successful can only be a test and odi replacement.
I am just talking about the test format.

No need to look for one player being replcaement in all formats. Aus can have different players.

Very few players consistently play and do well in 3 formats. No need to have that kind of cut off.
 
I am just talking about the test format.

No need to look for one player being replcaement in all formats. Aus can have different players.

Very few players consistently play and do well in 3 formats. No need to have that kind of cut off.
When you're replacing an all format Player you need to find an all format replacement.
 
When you're replacing an all format Player you need to find an all format replacement.
Not sure why you think I was talking about replacement in ODI and T20 when discussing test series and performance in test series.

Warner was a gun test opener for Aus in home conditions. Replacing Warner in test has nothing to do with ODI/T20. Very few players actually even play all 3 formats consistently. If you start applying that kind of filter then it will be very hard to find replacements.
 
Not a bad idea to try out Konstas.

McSweeny didn't have a good time in the first 3 Tests. Aussies need to try something different.
 
Konstas stays calm about Bumrah challenge ahead of MCG debut

Sam Konstas is the frontrunner to open in the Boxing Day Test after Nathan McSweeney was dropped from the Australia squad.

Sam Konstas is not feeling the pressure ahead of his anticipated debut in the Boxing Day Test, knowing he’ll likely face the formidable Jasprit Bumrah. Konstas earned his spot after an impressive knock of 107 off 97 balls against India in the practice match in Canberra. During that innings, he stood firm against a strong Indian bowling attack featuring Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Ravindra Jadeja.

However, one key name was absent from that lineup – Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pace spearhead has been the biggest problem for Australia this summer. Bumrah has cemented his place as the most lethal visiting bowler to visit Australia, with 53 wickets at an astonishing average of 17.15 across three tours. He also holds the best bowling average of any overseas player in Australia with over 50 wickets.

While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Konstas remains clear about his approach and believes he’ll draw plenty of confidence from his century against India for the Prime Minister's XI.

"I won't watch too much [of him]. I have already seen him a lot. But I am excited to challenge myself and face him. Usually, our analysts do a little feedback on each bowler. I might read that, maybe.

"I'm super confident. Just backing my skills, I have done all the hard work. Just another game, I guess, and trying to keep it simple. As a kid you have always dreamt of the moment, and it is very rare, getting your baggy green. So it's a huge honour if I do get in."

The 19-year-old learned about his selection from head selector George Bailey, with skipper Pat Cummins later confirming his debut in the Boxing Day Test. Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney in the squad, who was among the first to congratulate him, along with fellow New South Wales teammate Steve Smith.

“It was all a bit unexpected, but very privileged to get the opportunity," Konstas said. "I just had dinner with the family [to celebrate], pretty chilled. It was emotional, mum was crying ... Everything has happened so fast.

"Mum and dad and my brothers, all their sacrifices, taking me to training, throwing me balls, experiencing the journey through highs and lows. Just to give something back to them was very special. I can't wait to have them in Melbourne for support."

The series is currently tied at 1-1 after India secured a draw in the third Test in Brisbane. The Boxing Day Test begins on 26 December at the MCG, Melbourne.

ICC
 
The Aus batting outside is weaker than the one that was left behind after the SA rebel tour. Only Travis Head is good. Somehow they are still in the series because of Ind batting arrogance
 

Fans told to listen out for Sam Konstas if he makes Test debut​


Sean Abbott says broadcasters should “turn the stump mics up” for Sam Konstas in the field if the confident teenager makes his debut in the Boxing Day Test.

The reserve fast bowler said his New South Wales teammate would be an entertainer even when he didn’t have bat in hand as he firmed for an opening berth in place of Nathan McSweeney.

Konstas was set to compete with Josh Inglis for the vacant batting spot as back-up all-rounder Beau Webster said he expected Mitch Marsh to play after only bowling two overs in Brisbane.

Abbott said Konstas, 19, would be an immediate hit with fans if he became Australia’s fourth-youngest ever Test debutant on Boxing Day.

“I’ve really enjoyed my short dealings with him … my time with him in the Shield game here a couple of weeks ago,” Abbott said.

"What I will say is if he gets the chance to play, turn the stump mics up when he’s in at short leg, because he’s got some good bants.

“Just getting into blokes about being scared, as I would’ve been as well if Starcy (Mitchell Starc) was about to bowl short … doesn’t matter if it was Rohit (Sharma) or me batting there, he would be exactly the same.”

Konstas told reporters on Monday he “wasn’t too sure yet” whether he would win his first Baggy Green in Melbourne, but dropped that his family was travelling from NSW to watch the game.

“It’s happened really quick to be honest, I wasn’t too fazed about it … I feel like I’m a pretty relaxed person, and I’m just trying to live in the moment,” he said.

“I do (have a plan for Jasprit Bumrah) … I’m not going to say what it is, but just trying to put pressure back on the bowlers.

“I think it’s just another day for me, obviously it’s a bit more special, I’ve got my parents coming. Pretty simple, just back myself and see ball, hit ball really.”

Webster, who was called into the squad to cover a sore Marsh ahead of the second Test, suggested the veteran all-rounder would be fine to hold his spot.

“We’ll see how the boys go, but obviously we’ve already got an all-rounder, and he’s still in that spot – I’m just here to cover him,” Webster said.

“He’s a great bloke, Mitch. He’s a fantastic cricketer and has had some success in all formats, I’m just here to cover the big fella if something goes wrong. As it stands here, he’s our No. 1 all-rounder.”

 
He is their opener from the last u19 world cup. Ali Raza cleaned him up with a quick inswinger. Very surprised he has graduated so quickly to the test level. Australia really are searching.
 
Australia should have stuck with Mcsweeney for the whole series before discarding him for Sam. Not have high hopes from him.
 
Ponting optimistic about uncapped Australia opener

Former Australia skipper believes 19-year-old Sam Konstas has what it takes to make a mark in the Tests against India

Australia great Ricky Ponting believes Sam Konstas has the talent and demeanour to make the most of any opportunity that arises during the remainder of the Test series against India.

With the Border-Gavaskar Series evenly poised at 1-1 heading into the final two Tests, Australia made changes to their squad with Konstas being called up in place of Nathan McSweeney.

Konstas, 19, will now make his international debut as both teams chase an unassailable lead as well as all-important ICC World Test Championship points.

“I've seen a lot, there's a lot of talent there no doubt about it,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“The way he played in the PM's XI game (he scored 107 against the Indians), the way that he was able to approach his first BBL game the other night … I know it's different formats, but you can see that the talent is there and there's also a bit of an attitude to go with it.

“And not a bad attitude, (but) an attitude that he knows that he's good and he wants to show the world that he's good.”

Featuring for the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day game against the touring Indians after the Perth Test, Konstas attracted the spotlight with a century against the visiting side.

In his 11 first-class matches Konstas has scored 718 runs at an average of 42.2, including two centuries and three half-centuries.

However, for all his early success, Ponting emphasised the uncapped batter would still feel the jitters on his debut - especially when facing up to the No.1-ranked ICC Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“There's still a challenge there,” he said. “It's a Test match. It's your first Test match. You're playing against some of the best bowlers in the world.

“It probably doesn't get any bigger in world cricket right now. It's like any other country debuting an opening batsman against our bowling attack, when you've got Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood there.

“Bumrah has obviously been the standout and probably the leading fast bowler in Test cricket at the moment. So Konstas will have a great challenge there, no doubt about it.”

But Ponting is confident Konstas will be up for the fight.

“I don't think he's the sort of guy who’d be too worried about it,” Ponting said. “I think he'll be excited by it. He'll want to try and put some pressure back on with the way that he plays.

“Like he's not anyone that's going to sit there and be five off 50 balls. He's either going to be up and going or he's going to be out a bit earlier on than that.

“He'll try and find ways to impose himself on the contest, which is one of the things I think everyone likes about him.”

The fourth Test between Australia and India will begin on Thursday (26 December).

ICC
 
An incredible debut! Time will tell if he’s built for the long haul, but it was an absolute treat to watch him in the Boxing Day Test.
 
his control % was 54.he also had luck going his way,on another he could have been dismissed under 10 runs.
nonethesless a very fine innings from the young teenager.
 
U cannot be serious? Are you?
28 (11) against Rabada and Nortje on debut in Sydney. Arguably better innings than Sam Contas as Aussie conditions are alien for Pakistani debutants.
It would be akin to Sam Kontas playing this innings against Ashwin and Jadeja in Indian rank turner.
 
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28 (11) against Rabada and Nortje on debut in Sydney. Arguably better innings than Sam Contas as Aussie conditions are alien for Pakistani debutants.
It would be akin to Sam Kontas playing this innings against Ashwin and Jadeja in Indian rank turner.
lol flukiest innings not to be repeated again
 
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28 (11) against Rabada and Nortje on debut in Sydney. Arguably better innings than Sam Contas as Aussie conditions are alien for Pakistani debutants.
First morning of a boxing day test match.

Ball doing things and this guy on debut was reverse sweeping the most dreaded fast bowler in the world.

28 in a gilli danda format where you have the license to play whatever stroke possible versus
60 in a most high profile test series with huge stakes. Not Australias best have yet taken on Bumrah in this series.
 
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First morning of a boxing day test match.

Ball doing things and this guy on debut was reverse sweeping the most dreaded fast bowler in the world.

28 in a gilli danda format where you have the license to play whatever stroke possible versus
60 in a most high profile test series with huge stakes. Not Australias best have yet taken on Bumrah in this series.

You must be Mo Haris himself
World Cup game where Pakistan’s chances hang in the balance.
Debut against the world’s best and fastest bowlers that too in Sydney, which is far away from home.
Early wickets and you’re in to get your nation’s agenda back on track.

If gilli danda format is so easy, then Pakistan wouldn’t lose 17 T20Is in 1 calendar year.
 
This was an outstanding innings and one of the best I've seen on debut in recent times by a young batsman.

When do you ever see Bumrah get hit for a six, let alone two off shots like those? He rattled India big time, as evident by Kohli's disgraceful onfield behavior.

Not bad for a 19 year old playing his first test match.
 
But his style of play is unsustainable. This pitch was slow on the side. So his walking down the wicket style somewhat worked. It might not work every time. Way too high risk game compared to Dave warner.
 
Not a long term option or dependable one .will struggle on any pitch with assistance against any kind.he was not even picking the length and coming front foot for everything. He had a few edges and lucky today.higer risk stock than Head.if he is the best available option for aus in test matches, God save them
 
I doubt batting in such a manner is Sustainable, but he made the greatest sportsmen in history of the world look like a 3rd rate village bowler today 😉

You wouldn't see anyone do this to malcolm Marshall or Michael holding
 
The way he manhandled bumrah was spectacular. World's best bowler getting trolled by a 19 year old boy who's casually playing Butler level shots against him.

Aussie talent is something else, Indians can never match Austria talent ever.
 
Ravi Shastri lavishes praise on Sam Konstas while talking to the local Indian broadcasting media:

“I don’t think anyone’s taken or treated Bumrah like that in any format of the game, let alone red-ball cricket. For him to go out there with that swag and attempt some outrageous shots—it was something else. He tore that MCC coaching manual to shreds. At one point, it felt like India had run out of ideas…The ideas disappeared."

“I’d say he’ll have his odd failures with the way he plays and the chances he takes. It reminds me a lot of Virender Sehwag when he first burst onto the scene. He’ll entertain when he gets going, and he’s born to entertain. If he plays for any length of time for Australia, he’ll do exactly that."
 
To be honest it was about time somebody tried something different against Bumrah. I think you play into his hands nudging and nurdling. At least Konstas looked to reverse the pressure and India were somewhat rattled as the Kohli shoulder barge showed.

Is it a sustainable way of batting ? Perhaps not but time will tell. But you must applaud the kid for showing such courage on debut at MCG in a Boxing Day Test against one of the most lethal fast bowlers in the world.
 
I heard the commentators saying yesterday that Konstas was coached by an ex Bangladeshi player. Can’t recall the name. They said something about Shane Watson also being coached by him
 
I heard the commentators saying yesterday that Konstas was coached by an ex Bangladeshi player. Can’t recall the name. They said something about Shane Watson also being coached by him
Actually I found it…



Tahmid Islam. Congratulations to him! This is a big win for amateur coaches working overseas! A lot of these guys don’t get the recognition they deserve for the work they do at grassroots level
 
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