Sam Konstas was given the green light to “go hard” against the India A bowling attack and he did just that, recording a statement century in the first session for Australia A.
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While Kurtis Patterson put his name in the mix for an Ashes call-up with a 113-ball century during Tuesday’s One-Day Cup season opener, Konstas also sent a reminder to selectors with an impressive display on the first day of the tour match in Lucknow.
He also did it against an India attack that was led by fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, the very same man who took his wicket in Konstas’ last Test innings at the SCG in January.
Konstas was eventually dismissed on Tuesday by Harsh Dubey, but not after bringing up 109 runs from 144 balls.
The 19-year-old reportedly started his knock with an attempted reverse scoop in the first over, finishing with three sixes to go with 10 fours.
It built on a strong showing for NSW Country earlier this month, where Konstas smashed six massive sixes on his way to 109 against an all-Sheffield Shield bowling attack that included Jack Edwards, Liam Hatcher, Ryan Hadley, Sean Abbott and Tanveer Sangha.
Konstas is just one of several Test hopefuls playing for an Australia A team that is coached by former Test captain Tim Paine, who told local media ahead of the game that he had no doubt the 19-year-old will become a “star” despite his inconsistent form at the top level.
“I think at times you’ll see some of that (the more aggressive side), but I think people forget that Sam’s still only 19 years of age, so he’s a long way from being the finished product,” Paine told reporters in Lucknow.
“Clearly in Australia we know he’s got a lot of talent. We think he’s going to be a star at international cricket at some stage. He’s obviously in the team, or was in the team, at the moment, but he’s still finding his way (and) what’s the best way for him to play.
“At times he’s going to be super aggressive. Other times he’ll trust his defence. He’s working that out and figuring out when and why he needs to do it both. We’ll encourage him this series to play it as he sees it.
“There’s going to be times where it’s hard and he’ll have to soak up pressure, but when he’s feeling good and he’s on top we’ll back him in to go hard and put the opposition under pressure. He’s exciting. (You) don’t know what you’re going to get sometimes, but that’s a great part of watching him.”
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New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd, meanwhile, told reporters on Monday that Konstas had been spending time making improvements to his footwork ahead of the tour of India.
“The work ethic is fantastic,” Shipperd said.
“He’s got a lot more clarity about how he wants to go about his cricket, and his preparation has been first class.”
Australia and England face off in the first Ashes Test on November 21 in Perth.
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