Axed Australia opener Sam Konstas has found form, scoring a confidence-boosting century for NSW in the Sheffield Shield.

Enduring a difficult period after his incredible Test debut last Boxing Day, the 20-year-old reached three figures just before tea on day one of the Blues’ match against Queensland at the SCG.

It was Konstas’ fourth first-class ton, and his first in the Shield since making twin centuries against South Australia in October 2024, before forcing his way into Australia’s XI.

The aggressive right-hander made a century for Australia A against India A in September, but that came on a flat pitch in Lucknow when just 13 wickets fell across four days.

After bursting onto the international stage against India last summer as a teenager, Konstas suffered a disastrous tour of the Caribbean that led to him being dropped for the Ashes.

In three Tests against West Indies, Konstas scored just 50 runs at an average of 8.33.

Konstas (107 not out) and fellow former Australia batter Kurtis Patterson (49no) helped NSW get to the tea break at 1-221.

He will need to pile on runs to be in consideration for an Australian call-up due to Jake Weatherald and Travis Head just starting their opening combination in the second innings in Perth.

Second-placed Queensland are missing key quicks Michael Neser, who is playing his third Test for Australia, and Xavier Bartlett (Australia A duties).

Konstas’ opening partner, Matthew Gilkes, was dismissed for 55 by Bulls veteran Gurinder Sandhu.