By supporting his century against India with an undefeated half-century in the Sheffield Shield, Sam Konstas has once again sent a message to Australia’s selectors.
On the first day of their Shield match against Western Australia, Konstas was dismissed at 55, as New South Wales responded to the visitors’ 211 at the SCG with a score of 97 for 0.
Konstas looked totally relaxed as he hit 50 for the seventh time this summer on a day when the ball spun around and no other player achieved a half-century.
When the 19-year-old faced spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, he drove him for another four and smashed him back over his head for two straight sixes.
Later in the day, he smashed the fast for another over mid-wicket after driving Cameron Gannon for another beyond mid-off and cutting him for one four behind point.
Confident, Konstas even made an unsuccessful attempt to grab speedster Lance Morris, one of the few setbacks of the day.
Konstas, who gained notoriety at the beginning of the season with double tons against South Australia, is still having a rough innings.
Five days earlier, when playing for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, Konstas struck 107 off 97 balls against an Indian attack of Test calibre.
After that, he went back to Sydney and, in his first complete news conference, expressed his desire for an opportunity to don the Baggy Green as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, Konstas responded, “I really want the chance,” when asked if he felt prepared for Test cricket or if he needed more time playing at the local level.
“I hope that can happen soon since I enjoy challenges.
“I think my mental state is fine. I’ve experienced the most amazing few months, and I aspire to represent my nation someday.
In the final Shield round before the BBL break on Saturday, Konstas will undoubtedly aid that case if he turns his half-century into three figures.
After their dismal performances in Perth last week, Australia’s top order came into the pink-ball Test in Adelaide feeling pressured.
In his first red-ball match since October 23, he led Western Australia in scoring with 41 and was more assured as he continued.
However, on a fantastic day for the all-rounder from NSW, he was one of five players to lose to Jack Edwards.
Edwards had the ball swinging a long way, and his return of 5 for 41 was the second-best of his career.
After catching Sam Whiteman (19) legside and bowling Cameron Bancroft for one with a ball that looped back between bat and pad, he removed Jayden Goodwin’s stumps on 22.
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