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News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
He Argued With Kohli On Debut And Left Bumrah Fuming, Now This Australian Has Been Picked For Maiden India Tour
Last Updated: 19-year-old Australia opener Sam Konstas will be representing Australia A on their red-ball tour of India next month. Cricket Australia have sent struggling Sam Konstas to India for Australia A's red-ball tour of the country next month. Konstas first came into the limelight following a half-century on debut while facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December. He further hit the headlines thanks to his heated altercation with Virat Kohli and later Bumrah. However, following the BGT, Konstas has been struggling to get going in Test cricket. Australia chief selector George Bailey feels that the experience of playing in India will be invaluable for the teenages. The 19-year-old, who had a tough time during Australia's recent senior tour of the West Indies, is the only current Test player chosen for two four-day matches in Lucknow. Test-capped players Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, and Nathan McSweeney were also included in the 14-man squad. A separate Australia A squad was announced for three one-day matches. 'The subcontinent presents many unique challenges and offers the chance to utilise different skills with both bat and ball," said Bailey. Konstas made headlines during the Melbourne Boxing Day Test last year when he faced Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, scoring a fiery debut 60 with a series of unorthodox shots. He lasted for one more Test before being dropped, only to regain his place for the West Indies Test series in June-July. However, he struggled to score more than 25 in six innings, making his hold on the position increasingly uncertain ahead of Australia's home Ashes series against England this year. With AFP Inputs view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
France 24
21-06-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Australian opener Konstas says he has 'come a long way'
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," said the teenager. "Hopefully I grab my opportunity with both hands.
