Sam Konstas has been called up to the Australian squad for the final two tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The 19-year-old from New South Wales is replacing Nathan McSweeney, who struggled to perform as an opener in the first three tests.
Why Did Sam Konstas Replace McSweeney?
Nathan McSweeney was picked as an opener but failed to impress. He played six innings but managed only one decent score of 39. His struggles were especially evident against India’s pace leader, Jasprit Bumrah. McSweeney was dismissed four times by Bumrah, and his scores of 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9, and 4 weren’t enough. Given McSweeney’s struggles, Australia decided to bring in a specialist opener for the last two tests. This is where Sam Konstas, with his strong form, comes in.
Who Is Sam Konstas?
Sam Konstas is a young cricketer who made his debut in First-Class (FC) cricket in November 2023. He is an opening batsman known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket. Konstas was also part of Australia’s winning Under-19 World Cup team in 2024. He played seven matches in the tournament, scoring 191 runs with a century and an average of 27.
Sam Konstas’ First-Class Stats
Konstas has played 11 First-Class matches so far. He averages 42 runs per match, with two centuries and three half-centuries. His form in the Sheffield Shield 2024/25 season has been outstanding. Here are his stats for the season:
| Season | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
| Sheffield Shield 2024/25 | 8 | 8 | 471 | 58.87 | 2 | 1 |
Sam started the season with two centuries against South Australia. He became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in a match in the Sheffield Shield.
Why Is Sam Konstas So Special?
Konstas’ performances have been remarkable in recent games. He scored a century in the pink-ball warm-up match against India in Canberra. Later, he made 88 runs against Western Australia. In his Big Bash League (BBL) debut for Sydney Thunder, Konstas made a stunning 56 off just 27 balls.
One of his standout performances that led to his call-up was his 73* in a chase against India A before the BGT 2024-25. It was a challenging pitch, and India’s pace attack was tough, but Konstas handled the pressure well.
What Did the Selector Say About Konstas?
George Bailey, Australia’s chief selector, praised Konstas for his unique batting style. He said, “His style of batting offers a point of difference, and we look forward to watching his game develop further.”
The Road Ahead for Sam Konstas
Sam Konstas’ inclusion in the Australian squad for BGT 2024-25 is a big opportunity for the young opener. He is expected to make his debut in the fourth test at the MCG. With his current form and impressive skills, Konstas could become a key player for Australia in the future. Fans are excited to see how he performs in his first Test match for Australia.
In conclusion, Sam Konstas is a rising star in Australian cricket. His strong domestic form, including a century in the Sheffield Shield and his solid performances against India A, have earned him this chance to play in the BGT 2024-25. If he can continue his excellent form, Konstas has the potential to become a regular fixture in the Australian Test side.
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