‘Legend of the game’: Konstas breaks silence over axing with classy Head response

Batting at the Gabba is just as crucial to the development and education of young opener Sam Konstas as it is playing on the subcontinent.

Watch India vs England’s ODI Series LIVE on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

Speaking after his premature exit of Sri Lanka amid Australia’s second Test in Galle, the 19-year-old is set to set foot on the Gabba for the first time tomorrow in his return to domestic cricket against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

“This is going to be my first time at the Gabba and obviously hopefully (NSW) we will build a bit of momentum and make the final,’’ Konstas said, per CODE Sports.

After two whirlwind Tests against India earlier summer to kick off his international career, the New South Wales prodigy was selected on Australia’s ongoing tour of Sri Lanka; only to be dropped in favour of a Travis Head promotion up the order.

Head’s promotion up the order was seen by most as a fair and warranted selection, given he has proven himself a headache for host countries on the sub-continent in recent years. But it no doubt left an unlucky omission in Konstas, with Head’s traditional spot in the middle order filled up instead by wicketkeeper-bat Josh Inglis — who himself made a century on Test debut.

A transparent Konstas however, was far from bitter of his omission, grateful to have been taken on tour to begin with.

“I felt like I was very privileged to be in the squad. And obviously learning from the best players like Steve Smith, Travis Head and Usman Khawaja and how their methods are different in those conditions. I learnt quite a bit,” Konstas revealed.

“I understood the reasons why. For me, it is just a great learning curve and if I do get another opportunity with the Test team I will grab it with both hands.

“I understand why Travis Head opened the batting because he is a legend of the game and he has been dominating.”

While an appearance in spin-friendly conditions still awaits Konstas, the traditionally bouncy and fast-paced Gabba wicket will still pose challenges of its own for the opener against Queensland. And additionally, his NSW captain Jack Edwards backed the decision to send Konstas home early from Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, where we wasn’t playing, to instead line up for the Blues.

“For Sam to go (to Sri Lanka) and still have experiences in those conditions training, I’m sure it’ll be amazing for him … (and) as much as he hasn’t played on the subcontinent, he also hasn’t played at the Gabba,” Edwards told media on Friday.

“He’s going to be in the Test team for a long time in the future, (and) he’s going to play a lot of cricket (at the Gabba).

“Typically, in Shield cricket, you get more of a greener wicket here, a bit more grass on it, so it’s going to be a pretty good test.

“The Bulls have (also) got a very strong bowling attack, so for him to get the experience as well is going to be great for him.”

Edwards said Konstas was “always hungry for runs”.

“Whenever I’ve seen him play, he always wants to score as many runs as possible,” the NSW skipper said.

“It’ll be great to have him back around the group. He’s coming off the back of a good Test summer, but also his energy and personality around the group is fantastic for us.

“We’ve got a pretty young group. He’s got a lot of good mates. He’s not a shy guy so I’m sure he’ll fit back in well, and hopefully he can score a ton of runs for us.”

Konstas will face a Bulls attack that will include Michael Neser, who took 10 wickets in Queensland’s first two Shield games of the season before injuring his hamstring playing for Australia A against India A.

The fit-again Neser returned to cricket during the BBL season for the Brisbane Heat.

NSW will be without veteran seamer Jackson Bird – the leading wicket taker in this season’s Shield competition – due to a leg strain.