- Teenager made spectacular debut towards India
- Was dropped for re-jigged batting order in Sri Lanka
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has referred to as for Sam Konstas to be despatched residence from Sri Lanka if he isn’t chosen for the second Check.
Konstas, 19, was controversially dropped as an opener for the primary Check in Galle regardless of making an enormous impression in his debut matches towards India over the Australian summer season.
Konstas had a formidable debut season, incomes the Bradman Younger Cricketer of the Yr award on the 2025 Australian Cricket Awards on Monday.
His fearless batting type was evident throughout the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy towards India the place he clobbered the world’s greatest bowler Jasprit Bumrah and clashed heads with former captain Virat Kohli.
His standout innings got here throughout the Boxing Day Check on the MCG, the place he scored 60 runs off 65 balls with a spread of revolutionary pictures, together with a daring scoop towards Bumrah, reflecting his confidence and maturity.
Regardless of his type, Konstas was omitted from the squad for the primary Check towards Sri Lanka, sparking debate.
Sam Konstas made his debut for Australia as a young person within the Boxing Day Check towards India
Konstas turned an on the spot hero by taking over Jasprit Bumrah and scoring a half century
Former Aussie Check wicketkeeper Brad Haddin needs to see Sam Konstas come again to Australia to play Sheffield Protect
Former gamers like Ricky Ponting questioned the choice to exclude such a promising younger expertise.
And now former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has referred to as for Cricket Australia to ship him residence as a substitute of holding him abroad simply to hold the drinks.
‘We have to recollect he is 19 so if they are not utilizing him for the second Check I’d ship him residence to play state cricket, he hasn’t performed quite a bit and the extra he performs the higher,’ he mentioned.
‘He would’ve had a great couple of weeks over there studying, so if he isn’t going to be wanted, ship him again residence to bat.’
He believes Konstas will return for the Check Championship and needs him to return residence and play Sheffield Protect to arrange himself for the large match.
‘We have seen how properly Travis Head and Uzzie (Khawaja) performed on the prime of the order, (however) I believe he (Konstas) will come straight again in for the Check Championship,’ Haddin mentioned.
‘He is come out of nowhere within the final six months as a result of he is such a high-quality participant and remains to be studying the sport. He is solely a 19-year-old boy, the world is in entrance of him, we will see an excellent participant for a really very long time.’
Australian selector Tony Dodemaide praised Konstas for taking his demotion properly and understanding the explanation why.
Konstas was dropped for the 2 Check collection towards Sri Lanka and Haddin does not see the worth in him carrying the drinks for the Aussies
‘There’s quite a bit to love and be impressed about Sam,’ Dodemaide mentioned.
‘One of many issues is his means to take issues in his stride. It is exceptional actually, whether or not it is taking part in in entrance of 90,000 and Jasprit Bumrah on the MCG or getting informed that you just’re neglected of the Check.’
Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith additionally sees a giant future for the swashbuckling younger batsman.
‘He will have a number of observe over right here if he does not play, which in itself is nice for growth,’ Smith mentioned.
‘I solely need to suppose again to 2013, I believe, the place I did not play the primary few Checks (in India) and simply the quantity of balls I used to be hitting within the nets and the abilities I used to be capable of develop from dealing with a great deal of internet bowlers.
‘So whether or not he performs or not, it’s going to be a beautiful expertise for him.’
