'I've come a long way': Konstas ahead of Windies series
Young Australian batter Sam Konstas reflects on his two Tests against India, talks about missing out on World Test Championship final selection, and looks ahead to the series in the West Indies.
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News.com.au
41 minutes ago
- News.com.au
West Indies vs Australia first Test: Sam Konstas speaks ahead of his return as opener
Teenage opener Sam Konstas said Saturday he had 'come a long way' from his combative debut against India after winning his place back for Australia's opening Test against the West Indies. The 19-year-old made headlines in the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he took on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to make a blazing debut 60 with a slew of unorthodox shots. But he only lasted one more Test before being jettisoned with some pundits seeing his batting as 'reckless'. With a struggling Marnus Labuschagne dropped for the opening Test in Barbados on June 25 and Steve Smith out nursing an injured finger, Konstas has another chance, confirmed as a certain starter. 'The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,' Konstas, who has his Test cap No. 468 tattooed on his forearm, said of his explosive Boxing Day knock. 'I've been trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and I feel like I've come a long way, so hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches.' Konstas is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja, 19 years his senior, with an opportunity to cement the position as his own. Since David Warner retired some 18 months ago, Australia have tried five openers, including Konstas, and with an Ashes series against England later this year they need stability. 'Very excited. Obviously it's a tough team to crack into as we've got legends of the game,' the teenager said. 'Hopefully I grab my opportunity with both hands. 'It's a dream come true to be honest, 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world. I'm very lucky to be where I am currently.' Australia play three Tests against the West Indies.
Perth Now
42 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Walters, O'Meara pass test in footy return
Fremantle veteran Michael Walters got through his first WAFL appearance of the season unscathed as midfielder Jaeger O'Meara pushed for an instant recall to the AFL side. Walters has been sidelined since the start of the year with a persistent knee injury but showed no ill-affects as he made a rare appearance for Peel Thunder in their 35-point defeat to South Fremantle in Mandurah on Saturday. The 34-year-old was quiet compared to his lofty standards, collecting three disposals and five tackles under the watchful eye of Dockers coach Justin Longmuir and the coaching staff who would've been pleased to see the 2019 All-Australian run out a game. On limited minutes, Walters was not favoured by the heavy conditions down in Mandurah, which made scoring difficult for much of the game. Starting at half-forward, the veteran got into the game early as the Thunder kicked into a strong breeze. It was evident that Walters' leadership was having an impact, with the forward spending a lot of time directing teammates and setting up their structures around the ground. Walters picked up the speed of the game better in the second half, pushing up to the contest and then trying to expose South Fremantle defender Toby McQuilkin by working hard back to attack. The superstar spent time with fans after the match taking pictures and signing autographs despite the rain. O'Meara came back to where it all began in his first WAFL appearance for 5041 days, having last played in the state league as a 17-year-old for Perth. The Dockers midfielder is coming back from a hamstring and foot injury he sustained in the round six loss to Melbourne but didn't look like he skipped a beat. O'Meara was one of the best midfielders for the Thunder, finishing with 25 disposals, five tackles and team-high seven clearances in a strong display. The former Gold Coast and Hawthorn star made his debut in Mandurah in round 22 of 2011 where he caught the attention with four goals from 15 disposals. Fremantle midfielder Will Brodie is set for a stint on the sidelines after he sustained a concussion in the opening minutes of the contest. Defender Brandon Walker – who hasn't played since the Dockers' round two defeat to Sydney – was solid in defence, finishing with 10 touches and five tackles. Donning the long sleeves and No.88, Walker's defensive pressure was strong and there was some contests which would've seriously tested the strength of the repaired shoulder. Third-year defender High Davies was one of Peel's best, holding Bernie Naylor Medal leader Trey Ruscoe goalless in an excellent effort as he looks to add to the two games he played for Fremantle last year. Draftee Charlie Nicholls kicked consecutive goals for the second consecutive week in a strong performance early in his career.
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
A-League: Western United hit with pay breach notices
Western United has again been given a 14-day deadline to pay overdue wages to players and staff. Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News. Western United has again been served with breach notices by a host of the A-League club's players over unpaid wages. It's the second time in two months that United has been issued breach notices by disgruntled players, who were also forced to endure late pay in May. United had 14 days from Friday to make the payments. If the club fails to meet the deadline, players will be entitled to leave to the club, regardless of their contract status. A club spokesman said United was in 'constant communication with all players' and was working 'closely with the PFA (Professional Footballers Australia) and the APL (Australian Professional Leagues) to ensure this is addressed in the coming days'. Earlier in the week, United officials had been confident the club's proposed new majority backers – KAM Melbourne – would have paid the players and staff their overdue wages by Friday. — Western United FC (@wufcofficial) June 17, 2025 However, the money wasn't forthcoming, leading some players issuing breach notices via PFA. KAM Melbourne, a subsidiary of KAM Sports, was last month announced as financially embattled United's new controlling stakeholders. However, the deal is yet to be approved by the APL, which runs the A-League. PFA chief executive officer Beau Busch earlier this week said United's players and staff were 'victims of a governance model that is not fit for purpose, and where FA (Football Australia) and the APL appear unwilling to enforce their own regulations'. 'The professionalism of the Western United players and staff in the most trying conditions is a testament to their character and commitment to Australian football,' Busch said. 'The players (have been) left to fight for their most basic entitlement as employees. We will continue to ensure the players have access to the full resources of the PFA.' Originally published as Western United given 14 days to pay overdue wages or run risk of losing players Football Adelaide United's treatment of one the club's former players has been described as 'disgraceful'. Football Matildas star Ellie Carpenter appears to be one step closer to signing a massive transfer deal from Lyon to WSL club Chelsea, setting up a reunion with national teammate Sam Kerr.
