Young Aussie Opener Sam Konstas Gets Backing from Coach Tim Paine Ahead of India A Series
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, young Australian batsman Sam Konstas is set to bounce back after a tough Test series against West Indies. Australia A head coach Tim Paine wants the 19-year-old opener to play his natural game as he eyes a spot in the upcoming Ashes series.
Konstas grabbed headlines last year with his bold ramp shots against India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah during a fun half-century at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. But things went south on the West Indies tour in June-July, where he scored just 50 runs across six innings, with a top of 25. Now, his push for an Ashes place kicks off this week with matches against India A, starting Tuesday.
The series heats up in the second game, as Indian speedster Mohammed Siraj—who tore through England earlier—joins the action. After this, Konstas heads home for Sheffield Shield games in October, his last big prep before the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21.
Paine, the ex-Australia captain now leading the A team, isn’t dictating any style to Konstas. "Sometimes you’ll see his aggressive side, but people forget he’s only 19," Paine told reporters in Lucknow. "He’s got huge talent and could become a star in international cricket. Right now, he’s figuring out his best approach—super aggressive at times, solid defense at others. We’ll encourage him to play how he sees it."
Paine added that Konstas must handle pressure when needed, but the team will back him to attack when he’s on song. "He’s exciting—you never know what you’ll get, and that’s the fun part," he said.
Konstas showed promise in a recent pre-season match for New South Wales (NSW), smashing a century. His state coach Greg Shipperd, who guided him early on, praised his response to the West Indies flop. In 20 first-class games, Konstas has 1,062 runs at an average of 30.34, including two tons and six fifties, with a high of 152.
Shipperd agreed with opener Usman Khawaja’s take on the tricky West Indies pitches. "They were tough, and Sam got stuck without moving his feet much. But his work ethic is top-notch, and he’s clearer on his game now. That century here shows he’s adjusted well. I’m confident he’ll pile on runs in the next few games before the international stuff."
Eyes are also on other Australia A openers like Nathan McSweeney, who opened against India with mixed results, and promising left-hander Campbell Kellaway. "McSweeney is right on the edge," Paine said. "If he scores big here and in the Shield start, spots in the Test team for late November are up for grabs."
The Australia A four-day squad includes Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, and Liam Scott. Fans are watching closely as these young guns gear up for the big Ashes battle.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
