Cricket Australia (CA) has awarded a maiden call-up to young batter Sam Konstas for the last two games of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India. The 19-year-old is likely to make his debut in the Boxing Day test, scheduled to held in Melbourne. Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney, who scored 72 runs in six innings in his debut series.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been included in the squad for the first time in three years. He last donned the Baggy Green during the 2020-21 Ashes series. His inclusion comes on the back of impressive form and injury to Josh Hazlewood. However, Scott Boland is likely to replace Hazlewood in the MCG test.
Sean Abbott and Beau Webster retain their places in the squad, with Webster rumored to replace Mitchell Marsh in the fourth test.
Chief selector George Bailey remains confident of Konstas delivering for the side. With the failure of Usman Khawaja and McSweeney in the first three tests, Bailey thinks a different approach might work out in favor of the team.
“Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further,” Bailey told to reporters.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head (vc), Steve Smith (vc), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Sam Konstas slammed a century against India recently
Sam Konstas opened for the PM-XI side in a practice game against India, played in Canberra on November 30-December 1. The right-hander negotiated the Indian bowling unit attack well to slam 107 off 97 with 14 fours and a six to help the team post a modest total of 240. However, the visitors managed to win the game easily.
Interestingly, Konstas has not faced Jasprit Bumrah yet, as the ace pacer did not feature in the practice game. It will certainly be a strong challenge for the youngster, as he looks to provide a good start to Australia in Melbourne.
Interestingly, Sam Konstas registered the fastest fifty off 20 balls by a Sydney Thunder player in BBL history on Tuesday. He batted alongside his captain and former Aussie opener David Warner. Here’s what Konstas said on Warner:
“I’m trying to learn from him each time I bat with him. (He’s taught me) to try to be fearless and take the game on. Whatever happens, happens.”
FAQs
What is the track record of Sam Konstas in first-class cricket?
718 runs in 18 innings @42.23
How many wickets has Jhye Richardson taken in first-class cricket?
110 wickets in 26 games
