Konstas is expected to be on the bench for the second Test against Sri Lanka, but head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that the line-up for the World Test Championship final will feature some changes.
Travis Head has expressed confidence in Sam Konstas regaining his spot as opener for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. With Australia’s recent string of successful debutants, there’s likely to be a batting squeeze, which could make selection tricky.
Konstas made a memorable entry into international cricket during the series against India at the MCG and was awarded the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards. However, he was dropped for the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, and isn’t expected to feature in the second Test, with selectors opting for Head to open alongside Usman Khawaja—a strategy that fits their horses-for-courses approach.
Despite this, former captains Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke were among those advocating for Konstas to stay in the side with an eye on the future, given Australia had already secured their place in the WTC final. But selector Tony Dodemaide emphasized that the tour wasn’t about development—it was about performance.
Head’s impressive 57 off just 40 balls in the first Test against Sri Lanka helped cement the selectors’ decision, as Australia piled on 654 for 6, their highest-ever total in Asia. However, McDonald has already indicated that Australia’s batting line-up will look very different in the WTC final against South Africa, with conditions likely to dictate a shift away from Head opening.
Adding to the selectors’ headaches is the rapid rise of Josh Inglis, who scored a brilliant century off 90 balls, as well as Beau Webster’s strong debut against India. With Cameron Green also expected to return as a batter after his back surgery, Australia’s batting depth is stronger than ever.
“Most likely I’d go back in the middle order and Sam would open,” Head said in Galle. “But I’m glad I’m not a selector. Josh has had an amazing start, the guys are playing well, Greeny’s going to be fit. So it’s going to be hard to fit everyone in. And that’s what we want—a team that’s tough to get into.”
Sam Konstas has been placed in isolation at the team hotel
Travis Head recently reflected on the intense competition within the Australian squad, acknowledging that players are always under pressure to perform and retain their spots in the team. “I think that’s all we’ve ever known—players that are unlucky and players that are in the team, expecting good performances,” Head said. “That’s where the pressure comes from—trying to hold your spot every Test, knowing that there are people behind you. We’re in a strong position. It’s better having seven or eight batters talked about than just three or four.”
As it became clear that Sam Konstas might lose his spot for the Sri Lanka Tests, stand-in captain Steven Smith emphasized the importance of Konstas still being part of the tour, even if he wasn’t playing. Despite being ill for much of the first Test, Konstas was back training with the squad by Tuesday. Smith pointed out that the experience, regardless of whether Konstas played, would be invaluable: “It’s great to have him here and experience the conditions,” Smith said. “We’re here to win 2-0, and Sam’s a big part of where we’re going. There’s no doubt about it.”
Smith also praised Konstas’ confidence after his explosive debut at the MCG against India, adding, “He’s got a huge future for Australia. It’ll just be how he deals with adversity over the years. At this stage, he looks like he deals with it really well.”
Head, who was named the Allan Border Medalist for a stellar 12 months, also reflected on his role in the opening Test, which included an aggressive start with three boundaries off the first over. “It wasn’t by design to go out and score as quick as I did,” he explained. “But if they present an opportunity to score, I want to score. Probably disappointing was the fact that the one risk I took ended up being the one that got me out. But sometimes you’ve got to take those risks and push the game.”
Head’s positive mindset and willingness to take calculated risks were evident in his approach to the innings. “I felt like I played well, I played positively, I played what the team needed at the time. It’s hard to say that in Test cricket, but I felt like I played the right way, and it was nice to take the opportunity when it presented itself.”
