Sam Konstas is hoping to prepare for a World Test Championship final at Lord’s and a maiden Ashes series later this year by landing a county cricket deal in the UK that could help him take down the old enemy.
After a breakthrough summer which included a remarkable Test debut in Melbourne, Konstas was not picked for Australia’s two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle.
This masthead revealed on Tuesday that Konstas has flown back to Australia ahead of the second Test to play a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against Queensland, starting Saturday at the Gabba.
Konstas is keen to play as much red ball cricket as possible to hone his skills before a home Ashes series, starting in late November.
English cricket will end up helping out Australian cricket’s brightest talent. Konstas’ management is in talks with county teams about signing the talented youngster to a short-term deal.
Konstas is eligible for a stint in the UK, rules for which state that a player must have played a minimum of one Test match during the 36 months before date of application.
Sam Konstas had a whirlwind debut in Melbourne.Credit: AP
Although rosters are mostly settled leading into the County Championship, there are hopes Konstas can be squeezed in to bolster a team’s top order.
There are eight rounds of County Championship fixtures scheduled between April and May ahead of Australia’s WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.
Konstas is likely to retain his spot at the top of the order for that one-off Test in London as Australia look to win back-to-back championships.
The possibility of Konstas playing in the UK and facing England’s best bowlers ahead of an Ashes series could certainly ignite debate. England has not won an Ashes series in Australia since 2010-11.
A number of Australians are signed to play in the County Championship but the only one who could take part in the Ashes is all-rounder Beau Webster (Warwickshire).
Konstas’ performances in Melbourne and Sydney have caught the eye of English officials and players. Having the chance to bat in English conditions could also help his progression ahead of the 2027 Ashes.
Australia have three Tests in the West Indies in June and July, albeit in different conditions, to get ready for the Ashes.
Konstas’ omission from Australia’s playing XI in Sri Lanka came as a surprise to a number of former Test stars.
Sam Konstas trains in Sri Lanka. Credit: Getty Images
“I was surprised he didn’t play [and] he wasn’t given that opportunity,” former Test captain Michael Clarke said on ESPN. “I believe on that pitch and [against] that attack he probably would’ve had success. It would have been good for him to play in those conditions.”
Speaking on an ABC’s podcast, former opener Ed Cowan felt that not picking Konstas was a missed opportunity.
“I found the selection of dropping Sam Konstas very short-sighted. At the time [I was] slightly angered by it,” Cowan said. “Then to see the [Sri Lankan] attack and some of the fodder they served up … what better opportunity to have [the] experience and score some runs on a wicket that wasn’t really turning.
“I’m unsure this series is where the Australians should be pegging themselves to. Is Usman Khawaja going to be around for the next Indian series? Most likely not. So it was just such a missed opportunity.
“Every ball I watched him bat, I thought this is a missed opportunity to be blooding a very special talent. This is not taking away from Usman or the runs. This is how I felt at the time selection was made.”
Cricket Australia is eager for Konstas to play the remainder of the Sheffield Shield season. The Blues have their upcoming match against Queensland before fixtures against Victoria (February 18 to 21), Western Australia (March 6 to 9) and Tasmania (March 15 to 18).
Konstas averages 39.57 from 13 first-class matches but has never played at Perth Stadium, Adelaide Oval or the Gabba – three venues that will host Ashes Tests.
“We felt like for his development and where he’s heading in his journey [it was the right decision to bring him home],” McDonald told SEN Radio on Wednesday. “He hasn’t played at the Gabba and that’s an experience for him. To get him back there … is a key towards next summer. He hasn’t played on a lot of the main venues in Australia.”
Cummins ‘highly unlikely’ for Champions Trophy
Australian one-day captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood are set to miss the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Cummins, who picked up an ankle injury during the summer, has been under an injury cloud despite being named in a preliminary squad.
Hazlewood’s calf injury is not progressing as well as he would like. Steve Smith and Travis Head are being discussed as captaincy options in Cummins’ absence.
“Patty is hugely unlikely, which is a bit of a shame, and we’ve also got Josh Hazlewood who is battling at the moment,” McDonald said. “Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling.
“That medical information will land over the next couple of days and we’ll be able to sure that up and let everyone know the direction.”
