Ex Australia Test Captain Has Had Enough, Wants Young Opener Back For Next Tour
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Mark Taylor wants selectors to recall teenage opener Sam Konstas for the series against West Indies after Australia's top order struggled in the World Test Championship Final.
Former Australia Test captain Mark Taylor has urged selectors to recall teenage opener Sam Konstas for the forthcoming series against the West Indies, set to commence on June 25.
This call follows the Australian top order's underwhelming performance in the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, where they succumbed to a five-wicket defeat at Lord's. Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green all failed to make significant contributions. With head coach Andrew McDonald suggesting a potential top-order reshuffle, particularly given Steve Smith's dislocated little finger, Konstas's return appears probable.
'David Warner retired nearly two years ago, and we haven't found a replacement for him. Although, to be honest, they haven't really tried that hard. Travis Head moved up the order in Sri Lanka, while Konstas was left out after debuting in Melbourne with a swashbuckling 60."
'I think we need to bring Konstas back for the West Indies series. He will play in a more orthodox fashion and should be given the opportunity, especially as Steve Smith won't be playing, which makes the selectors' job easier," Taylor stated on Nine's Wide World of Sports show on Sunday.
Konstas amassed 113 runs in his first two Tests against India, averaging 28.25, and impressed with a brisk 60 off 65 balls on his Boxing Day debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, with Travis Head's promotion to opener during the Sri Lanka tour, Konstas was overlooked and sent home.
Taylor also believes Khawaja is approaching the end of his playing career, and a change in the Australian top order is inevitable. 'The other issue is Usman Khawaja at the top of the order – he's not playing the quicks as well as he should."
'In the last couple of years, he has averaged 34, but if you exclude the 200 he made in Sri Lanka on a low and slow pitch, he's averaged [number missing in original text]. We have a problem with Marnus and Khawaja at the top of the order, so we need to address this," Taylor added.
He concluded by stressing the importance of rectifying the situation before the Ashes. 'England will bring a strong quick bowling side, and we need to be prepared. We must bring in Konstas and give him the opportunity."
'He will open the batting with Usman Khawaja, who is also on notice. Players like Nathan McSweeney deserve another opportunity at some point. It's challenging when players are nearing the end of their careers. You want them to finish on their terms, but you have to select the best team for both today and the future."
(With inputs from IANS)
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