13-03-2025
Coach's telling move around Sam Konstas furore after 'ban' for teenage prodigy
NSW cricket coach Greg Shipperd admits he's had discussions with Sam Konstas about reining in his ultra-aggressive batting style, in the wake of recent scrutiny around the teenage cricket sensation. NSW team management told Yahoo Sport Australia this week that a temporary ban had been imposed on Konstas conducting media appearances, following a summer of headlines around the 19-year-old prodigy.
Konstas' management team – headed by Shane Watson's wife Lee - are clearly mindful about all the headlines around the youngster and want him to be able to just focus on cricket. Konstas shot to stardom in an unforgettable Test debut for Australia on Boxing Day last year, where his daring first innings half century and willingness to take on the world's best bowler Jasprit Bumrah helped turn the five-Test series against India in Australia's favour.
Since his starring role in Australia's 3-1 series win, Konstas has been dropped from the Test side for the Sri Lanka series after selectors opted to promote Travis Head to opener. He's also come under fire for trying to employ the same ultra-aggressive approach for NSW in Sheffield Shield - most notably against Scott Boland and Victoria last month when he was bowled trying to slog-sweep his Test teammate in the third over.
The nature of Konstas' dismissal sparked serious concerns about whether the teenager had the right temperament to be a Test opener and left many questioning whether he would regain his spot at opener for June's World Test Championship final against South Africa. Konstas responded by not playing an attacking shot in his first 30 balls in the second innings of that match, before making a 107-ball 50 as NSW held on for a draw in Perth last week.
That approach was in stark contrast to the eye-catching array of reverse ramp shots for Australia and NSW that have shone the spotlight squarely on Konstas. Former Test captains Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor have all had their say on the rookie's unorthodox approach to batting and have urged him to put away the audacious shot-making and focus on building an innings.
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Veteran NSW coach Shipperd says those are the very conversations he's been having with Konstas after admitting his questionable approach against Boland was not a tactic they'd discussed. "I'm not sure he planned that (aggressive approach to Boland), I think it just unfolded in that particular moment," Shipperd said about the 19-year-old.
"With discussions and reconsideration of what a batting plan looks like, he's made some adjustments. "That means to me he's listening and he's learning, and that's very important for him at this stage of his career. He's still working the game out. I'd be very surprised if the Australian selectors weren't considering him strongly for that opening position (for the WTC final).
The NSW coach admits he's been in regular dialogue with Australia counterpart Andrew McDonald and national selectors about Konstas's development. And the Blues mentor suggested it was a delicate balancing act trying to encourage the teen sensation to trust his instincts and play his natural game, while also demonstrating the necessary technique and temperament that makes a successful Test batter.
"Quite clearly we can see that there are times when that method has been successful for him," the NSW coach said. "But as a general theme we're encouraging him as most of the most experienced pundits around are calling for, for a more consistent approach.
"Finding the right time in the innings and also considering what the team needs at that particular moment. We're encouraged that he's learning each game and he's considering all of these issues as each innings unfolds for him." Konstas faces his next major test in the Sheffield Shield against Tasmania on the weekend, in what could be his final audition before the WTC final.
With one round to play in the Shield, bonus points are likely to determine which team out of Queensland, NSW, Western Australia or Victoria qualifies for the final against South Australia. If NSW beat Tasmania and leapfrog Queensland into second, Steve Smith is a chance to play in the final but if the Blues miss out and Konstas does not secure an English county deal, it will be his final match in red-ball cricket before June's WTC showdown at Lord's.
with AAP
