Sam Konstas’ shot selection will remain under fire as NSW coach Greg Shipperd conceded the prodigy’s dismissal on Friday played a role in the loss to Victoria.
Despite his frank assessment, Shipperd could not be drawn into expanding on Konstas’ position as incumbent Test opener nor Steve Smith opting to prepare for the Ashes in New York as opposed to NSW.
Konstas survived a tricky period before lunch on a difficult Junction Oval wicket and was in a position to deliver a mature and matchwinning score.
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But, after 53 entertaining runs, he dragged a wide and rather unthreatening delivery from Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy back onto his stumps.
Konstas’ departure came just after he and fellow opener Blake Nikitaras (39) put on a 90-run stand and it sparked the loss of 3-3.
Shipperd said Konstas was a “baby cricketer in terms of experience” who “learned a couple of lessons” when asked if the dismissal was an important part of his growth.
“Our batters really from the 0-90 let a beautiful position slip dramatically and disappointingly,” Shipperd said after NSW lost by 38 runs.
“That was a terrific partnership; a bit of punch, a bit of counterpunch from (Konstas and Nikitaris) but both got out in a disappointing fashion (and) that opened the door.
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“The door was then slammed shut on us … (Konstas) is a baby cricketer in terms of experience as a number of batters in the game are on both sides.
“There’s a lot of learning to be done and he’s learned a couple of lessons today.”
Shipperd has advocated strongly for Konstas to remain in the Test side and as recently as last week urged selectors to consider the conditions before judging his output.
But Shipperd refused to elaborate on whether Konstas was a cricketer who needed to learn “the hard way”.
“I would rather not further comment on just him, I’m more interested in the game, I’ve said enough about him as an emerging player,” he said.
Smith is set to play the next two Sheffield Shield games for NSW after residing in his preferred city of New York ahead of the Ashes.
Shipperd said Smith was a “blessing” to have around the group but again opted against commenting on his individual scheduling.
“(Smith) does (help) whenever he’s around our environment, he’s fantastic … he’s ready to roll, in good shape and the mind is ready to play,” he said.
“Again, I am not commenting on (New York), we’re just happy for him to play for us when he can in and amongst Australian obligations.
“Those scheduling moments are organised through ‘Ronnie’ McDonald, George Bailey and senior Australian players – they basically organise their schedules.”
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