Sam Konstas had a disappointing outing in a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, scoring just 10 runs before being bowled by Scott Boland. The young opener, looking to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test side ahead of the World Test Championship final, was dismissed while attempting an aggressive shot in the third over. His early innings strategy alongside Nic Maddinson was marked by daring shots, but both openers fell relatively quickly, with Maddinson out for 33.
Despite a bright start for NSW, the team lost momentum, raising concerns about Konstas’ suitability for international play. Sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley commented critically on Konstas’ approach, suggesting that such a gung-ho style might not bode well for long-term success in Test cricket. Whateley expressed doubt about whether Konstas would retain his position for the upcoming championship match against South Africa, particularly given his recent performances where he has struggled to build on a promising Test debut of 60 runs.
As Konstas aims to solidify his role in the team, he faces an uphill battle, especially with selectors favouring other players. His future performances in the Sheffield Shield will be pivotal in determining his selection for the crucial fixture.