Sam Konstas could still bat for Australia against Sri Lanka despite being axed as opener, Steve Smith says
Sam Konstas can take it from Steve Smith that he will learn plenty from his first subcontinent tour, even if he does not make it onto the pitch against Sri Lanka.
The batting wunderkind’s hopes of adding to his two Test caps took a hit when stand-in captain Smith confirmed Travis Head would partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order for the first Test beginning Wednesday.
Smith would not rule out 19-year-old Konstas slotting into the now vacant No.5 spot for the series opener in picturesque Galle.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But spare batters Josh Inglis and Nathan McSweeney each have more middle-order experience than Konstas, a specialist opener with only 13 first-class matches to his name.
It’s a bitter blow for Konstas, who flagged his immense batting talent in two victorious Tests that locked up Australia’s first series win over India in a decade.
Konstas showed no fear facing up to Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah with a half-century in his first innings at the MCG, before partnering with Khawaja to ignite the series-winning run chase in Sydney.
But an outstanding two-and-a-half Tests as an opener on the 2023 India tour ultimately made Head difficult for selectors to resist.
“He got after the new ball, scored quickly and put the pressure on them straight away. (It’s) similar thinking here,” Smith said.
If Konstas is overlooked in the XI for the two Tests against Sri Lanka, Smith’s own experience will serve as reminder not to despair.
As a 23-year-old spin-bowling allrounder without any subcontinent experience, Smith missed selection for the first two matches of Australia’s 2013 tour of India.
But when a disciplinary breach left vice-captain Shane Watson to be dropped for the third Test, Smith earned a call-up.
He made 92 runs in his first dig batting higher than six at Test level, and was captaining the team in Michael Clarke’s absence less than two years later.
In missing out, Smith was equipped to make the most of his first subcontinent chance.
“Just the amount of balls I was hitting in the nets, and the skills I was able to develop from facing loads of net bowlers and things like that,” Smith said.
“Whether he plays or not, I think it’s going to be a wonderful experience for him. He’s going to learn a lot.”
