New Delhi [India], February 8: Australia’s young prodigy Sam Konstas, still 19, has set his sights on becoming an all-format player for Australia after being overlooked for the two Tests against Sri Lanka in the subcontinent. Though new to international cricket, Konstas has already caught the eye with his performances, including a memorable debut at the MCG.
Konstas earned his first Test cap during the Boxing Day Test against India, where he impressed with a swashbuckling knock of 60 runs off 65 balls in the first innings. His bright start in international cricket has fueled his ambitions to excel in all formats.
“I want to test myself and become an all-format player one day,” Konstas said in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald. “Travis Head is a legend of the game, just the way he goes about it is pretty simple, and he takes on the bowlers. I’m very lucky at my age to learn from these guys, and hopefully, I can build on that.”
Konstas’ debut was notable not only for his performance but also for his unconventional stroke play. His flawless execution of a ramp shot off Jasprit Bumrah during the match caught the cricket world’s attention, marking the first six Bumrah had conceded in Test cricket in over 4,000 days. Konstas’ range of shots, including audacious strokes, convinced selectors to send him to Sri Lanka. However, the promotion of Travis Head to the top order meant Konstas was sent home after the first Test.
Despite not being part of the second Test, Konstas had valuable opportunities to learn from senior players like Head and Steve Smith, who provided crucial insights on improving his game.
“I don’t think I’m that good at my sweeps or reverse [sweeps], but that’s something to work on when I’m back in Sydney. Uzzy and Marnus are the best at it, and then you see how Steve and Travis approach it differently. So understanding your strengths and trying to stick to it as long as possible,” Konstas remarked.
Looking ahead, Konstas hopes to be considered for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June. After the final, the team will shift focus to the next WTC cycle, starting with a tour of the West Indies. Following that, the Ashes series will once again be a point of focus.
Konstas, who once idolized English pace bowling legends Stuart Broad and James Anderson, is optimistic about getting a chance to play in the Ashes. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared, “I remember as a kid, we would mimic some of the England bowlers in the backyard Ashes series with my brothers. Stuart Broad a few times and Jimmy Anderson. Hopefully, I get that opportunity to play over there.”
Having gained valuable experience in English conditions during an under-19 series, Konstas is hoping that a county team might pick him up for further development. “We had a series in England in the under-19s, so we were there for a month, and it was different conditions, swinging with the Dukes ball, so it’s invaluable to have that experience. Hopefully, a county team can pick me up,” he said.
With a promising future ahead, Konstas is eager to continue his cricketing journey and prove himself as one of Australia’s brightest young talents.