Young Australian opening batter Sam Konstas is set to return home early from Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka to participate in New South Wales’ next Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba. The decision was made after it became clear that Konstas would not be considered for selection in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Konstas, who made his debut against India last December and impressed with his unorthodox shots against a Jasprit Bumrah-led pace attack, returned to the hotel after Australia’s training session on Tuesday and began packing for his flight back to Australia.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors decided to send Konstas home early so he could play in the first round of Shield games after the Big Bash League. This is especially important as Konstas has yet to play a first-class match in Brisbane.
Konstas is hopeful of making a return for the game, which begins on Saturday, and said, “That’s the plan. Hopefully, I can be back for the first game.”
Reflecting on his time with the squad, Konstas added,
“It’s been a huge honour being in the squad and learning from the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, the way they go about it… and obviously having experience in the Asian continent in Dubai. It’s been about understanding what works in these conditions, and hopefully I can emulate that after I get back to Sydney.”
Australia Squad Update: Konstas, Richardson In; McSweeney Out
Konstas, who did not feature in Australia’s dominant win in the first Test against Sri Lanka, understood the selectors’ decision to bring in the in-form Travis Head as the opener.
“Travis Head’s a legend of the game, and he’s been dominating in these conditions up top,”
he said.
The opener’s role remains up for discussion, with Head himself stating that he will likely return to the middle order for the World Test Championship final later this year, paving the way for Konstas to step up as the opener.