Galle (Sri Lanka), Feb 4 (PTI): Australian cricketer Sam Konstas is set to return to Australia and will miss the remainder of the tour of Sri Lanka. The 19-year-old opening batter will fly back to play for New South Wales in their upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba.
Reports from Australian media suggest that the decision to send Konstas home was made after it became clear that he would not be included in the squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka. The promising young batter, who impressed with his unique strokeplay during his Test debut in Melbourne against India’s pace attack, is now looking forward to playing his first-ever first-class match in Brisbane.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors have opted to bring Konstas back to give him exposure to the first round of Shield matches post-Big Bash League, as the talented opener has never played in Brisbane before. NSW's clash with Queensland is set to begin on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to playing back home,” Konstas told the newspaper. “It’s been a huge honour being part of the squad and learning from legends like Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja. The experience of training in Dubai and understanding what works in these conditions has been invaluable. I hope to take that knowledge with me when I return to Sydney.”
Konstas was not part of the playing XI for Australia’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test, which they won by an innings and 242 runs. However, he expressed understanding of the decision to bring in the in-form Travis Head to open the batting instead.
“I totally understood the decision not to play in the first Test,” Konstas remarked. “Travis Head’s a legend of the game, and he’s been in great form in these conditions.”
The young batter also shared his experience of adapting to subcontinental conditions, emphasizing the learning process during his time in Dubai and Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, Travis Head hinted that he would likely return to the middle order for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa later this year, with Konstas expected to take the opening role.
"Most likely, I'll go back into the middle order for the WTC final and Sam would open," Head said. "But it’s a good problem to have, trying to fit in a strong team. There’s healthy competition for spots, and that’s what we want — an Australian cricket team where everyone is pushing for places."
The competition for spots in the Australian lineup is fierce, with Head adding, “It’s great having seven or eight batters in the mix rather than just three or four. It makes for a tough but strong squad.”
As Konstas heads back home for the Sheffield Shield, his time with Australia’s Test squad has undoubtedly given him a deeper understanding of international cricket, which he hopes to build on when he returns to Sydney.
Reports from Australian media suggest that the decision to send Konstas home was made after it became clear that he would not be included in the squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka. The promising young batter, who impressed with his unique strokeplay during his Test debut in Melbourne against India’s pace attack, is now looking forward to playing his first-ever first-class match in Brisbane.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors have opted to bring Konstas back to give him exposure to the first round of Shield matches post-Big Bash League, as the talented opener has never played in Brisbane before. NSW's clash with Queensland is set to begin on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to playing back home,” Konstas told the newspaper. “It’s been a huge honour being part of the squad and learning from legends like Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja. The experience of training in Dubai and understanding what works in these conditions has been invaluable. I hope to take that knowledge with me when I return to Sydney.”
Konstas was not part of the playing XI for Australia’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test, which they won by an innings and 242 runs. However, he expressed understanding of the decision to bring in the in-form Travis Head to open the batting instead.
“I totally understood the decision not to play in the first Test,” Konstas remarked. “Travis Head’s a legend of the game, and he’s been in great form in these conditions.”
The young batter also shared his experience of adapting to subcontinental conditions, emphasizing the learning process during his time in Dubai and Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, Travis Head hinted that he would likely return to the middle order for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa later this year, with Konstas expected to take the opening role.
"Most likely, I'll go back into the middle order for the WTC final and Sam would open," Head said. "But it’s a good problem to have, trying to fit in a strong team. There’s healthy competition for spots, and that’s what we want — an Australian cricket team where everyone is pushing for places."
The competition for spots in the Australian lineup is fierce, with Head adding, “It’s great having seven or eight batters in the mix rather than just three or four. It makes for a tough but strong squad.”
As Konstas heads back home for the Sheffield Shield, his time with Australia’s Test squad has undoubtedly given him a deeper understanding of international cricket, which he hopes to build on when he returns to Sydney.