Sam Konstas ‘understood’ why selectors sent him home from Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka

Teenage cricket sensation Sam Konstas left Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka with no bitter taste in his mouth — quite the opposite, in fact.

The 19-year-old, who shot to prominence with a whirlwind first two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney earlier this summer, was included in the squad for Sri Lanka but overlooked for a place in the XI.

The cavalier teenager was replaced at the top of the order by Travis Head, whose proven form as an opener in subcontinental conditions saw him get the nod, while Josh Inglis franked his selection in the middle order with a century on debut during the first Test at Galle.

With Head making a speedy half-century to set the tone for Australia’s big series-opening win, Konstas was again denied the chance to gain some valuable experience in the conditions.

Selectors then made the decision to send him back home in time for New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland to give him some time out in the middle ahead of a possible berth in the World Test Championship final, where Head will slot back down into the middle order.

Konstas trained with the team at their main session in Galle on Tuesday before packing his bags to fly back to Australia.

On return to home soil, he told 7NEWS he has no issue with the decisions the selectors made with him.

“That was the reason why they sent me here; (it’s) going to be my first time at the Gabba, so very excited for that challenge,” he said on arriving in Brisbane.

“Understood the reasons why (I was dropped), but for me it’s a great learning curve. If I do get another opportunity with the Test team, I’ll grab it with both hands.

“I just need to keep playing games and scoring runs. I understand why Travis Head opened the batting because he is a legend of the game and he has been dominating.

“No real messages, been very lucky to be working with those coaches.”

Despite not playing in Sri Lanka, Konstas was still able to take plenty away from the tour.

“Definitely. Felt like I was very privileged to be among the squad and obviously learning from the best players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja and how their methods are different in those conditions. I learnt quite a bit,” he said.

Konstas also hinted at changing his approach after his stunning Boxing Day debut that included a series of bold ramp shots against Indian superstar Jaspirit Bumrah, who had every other batter in the series — with the exception of Head — bamboozled.

“I thought at that time it was the best method, but I don’t think it will be that hectic when I go and play red ball cricket ... I just thought (I would) put a bit of pressure on Bumrah and see what happens,” he said.

The tour was Konstas’s first with the Australian squad to Asia, but he previously attended development camps in Chennai and Sri Lanka.

He may have an additional opportunity to hone his skills against spin with an Australia A tour of India in the works for later in 2025.

After his famous start to life as a Test player, the Sri Lanka tour may have shaped as underwhelming for Konstas, who missed selection and was then struck down by a stomach bug.

But Head said Konstas would have learnt from the touring experience.

“Sam’s a big part of where we’re going, there’s no doubt about it,” Head said.

“Disappointed that he missed out on the first Test but great for him to be here, great for him to be experiencing conditions.”

Head expected Konstas would return to the top of the batting order when Australia travelled to England for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa in June.

“Most likely I’ll go back in the middle order and Sam will open,” the usual No.5 said.