Konstas' left-field career move after Sri Lanka axing

Konstas’ left-field career move after Sri Lanka axing

Posted by author February 5, 2025 Cricket

Sam Konstas will do whatever it takes to earn a recall into the Australia side for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

The 19-year-old, who debuted on Boxing Day against India at the MCG, going on to play the fifth and final Test at the SCG, was axed for Australia’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.

But being sent home from Galle has only given the teen more motivation to earn an opening spot back.

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Konstas has already flown back to Australia and will take part in Saturday’s Sheffield Shield match between his home state, NSW, and Queensland, at the Gabba.

But he wants more experience, with the batter now eligible to play over in the UK, with the rules stating that foreign players must have at least one Test match under their belt over the past 36 months.

Sam Konstas of Australia gestures to the crowd during day five of the Men’s Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 30, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Getty

Konstas’ team is already reportedly in talks with multiple county teams, hoping to put pen to paper on a short-term deal before the WTC, giving him as much red ball experience as possible.

There are eight rounds of County Championship cricket scheduled between April and May, with Australia’s WTC final against South Africa locked in at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

Despite rosters mostly being settled in county teams, Konstas’ management is pushing hard to sell the youngster’s flare and fearlessness in the short term.

And what better way to prepare for a hopeful Ashes debut at the end of this year, than facing off against some of those very bowlers over in the UK?

If Konstas is successful in landing a county contract, he would join fellow Australian and all-rounder Beau Webster overseas, who is signed with Warwickshire.

The pair are the only two Australians who could play county cricket and also take part in the Ashes.

Additionally, an extra stint in the UK could help Konstas’ chances of being selected for the three Tests in the West indies across June and July.

Konstas looks likely to retain his opening spot alongside Usman Khawaja for the WTC, as Australia aims to go back-to-back.