Former Australian Test spinner Kerry O’Keeffe has floated a shock option to replace David Warner in years to come as the country’s next opener.
Warner is expected to retire from Test cricket following the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, playing in front of his home SCG crowd one last time.
As it stands, O’Keeffe said the three frontrunners to take over at the top in the short term are Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw.
Watch Australia v Pakistan on Kayo Sports. Every Test match Live with no ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
However, speaking on SEN, O’Keeffe believes NSW batting prodigy Sam Konstas could be the player to fill Warner’s big shoes.
The 18-year-old made his Sheffield Shield debut against Tasmania in the last round of fixtures and has also been a prolific run scorer in NSW Premier Cricket.
“Look all three deserve consideration… Bancroft in particular, he’s got six Sheffield Shield hundreds in the last year and a half,” O’Keeffe said.
“I think all three have a ceiling, but the best young opening bat I’ve seen in the last couple of years is Sam Konstas who’s just debuted for New South Wales batting three.
“It’s too early, of course. But he’s been a prolific scorer in under-19 international cricket. He’s also been a prolific scorer in grade and underage cricket in Sydney.”
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson works closely with Konstas, having also represented Sutherland in the Sydney grade competition.
Travis Head chats team momentum | 03:31
The young gun batted at No.3 in his Shield debut and O’Keeffe believes the move was a show of faith by NSW selectors.
“This is a guy who appears destined, but he’s only 18 years of age,” O’Keeffe said.
“If New South Wales are prepared to bat him number three on debut, where you’d normally bat the teenager at six, they think they have the real deal in Sam Konstas.
“So, I’m inclined to think … he’s only played one First Class game, but down the track, I think he’ll probably get runs, go from number three for New South Wales to open and present a case (for Test cricket).”
Discussion about this post