NEW DELHI: Sam Konstas, the young Australian opening batter, is departing from Sri Lanka tour to participate in New South Wales‘ upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba.
Australian media outlets reported that Konstas’s return was decided after it became evident he wouldn’t be selected for the second Test against Sri Lanka.
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The 19-year-old, who gained attention for his unconventional batting against India’s pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah in Melbourne last December, began preparing for his departure after Tuesday’s training session.
Sydney Morning Herald reported that selectors opted to send Konstas home early for the first Shield matches following the Big Bash League, particularly as he hasn’t played first-class cricket in Brisbane previously.
The NSW versus Queensland match commences on Saturday.
“That’s the plan. Hopefully, I can be back for the first game,” Konstas told the newspaper.
“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. Understanding your strengths and trying to do it for as long as possible in these conditions.”
Konstas wasn’t selected for the first Test, which Australia won decisively by an innings and 242 runs.
He accepted the decision to not play in the opening match, as selectors chose the in-form Head as opener.
“I totally understood the decision (not to play in the first Test), Travis Head’s a legend of the game and he’s been dominating in these conditions up top,” Konstas said.
“So for me it was trying to get exposure to Dubai, Sri Lanka, try to learn and I feel like I learned quite a bit about things if I do play in the subcontinent. That’s basically it,” he said.
Head clarified his intention to return to the middle order before the World Test Championship final against South Africa later this year, with Konstas likely to take the opening position.
“Most likely I’ll go back into the middle order (for the World Test Championship) and Sam would open, but I’m glad I’m not a selector,” Head said on Tuesday.
“Josh has had an amazing start, guys are playing well, Greeny’s (Cameron Green) going to be fit. So it’s going to be hard to fit in and I think that’s what we want.”
“We want an Australian cricket team that’s tough to get in, where everyone’s pushing for spots. That’s where the pressure comes, trying to hold your spot every Test knowing there’s people behind you.
“So we’re in a strong position. It’s better having seven or eight batters talked about than three or four,” Head added.
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