Cricket

Australia A emerged victorious in the second unofficial Test against India A at the MCG, securing a 2-0 series win. The match witnessed a thrilling run chase, with Sam Konstas and Beau Webster guiding Australia A to a six-wicket triumph.India A, resuming on 123/6, were bolstered by Dhruv Jurel's second half-century of the match (68) and Prasidh Krishna's 29. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tanush Kotian also contributed, ensuring Australia A faced a challenging chase of 168.However, Australia A's chase got off to a disastrous start as Prasidh struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft for ducks. Nathan McSweeney's 25 further dented their hopes, leaving them reeling at 73/4.Enter Sam Konstas, who showcased his composure and batting prowess. The 19-year-old remained resolute in defense and gradually expanded his game, hitting boundaries off Prasidh and Kotian. He formed an unbeaten 96-run partnership with Beau Webster (46*), guiding Australia A to victory.Earlier, Jurel had been the cornerstone of India A's batting, sharing a crucial 94-run stand with Reddy. However, his dismissal to Corey Rocchiccioli opened the door for the tail, which added 67 runs. Kotian and Prasidh frustrated the bowlers with a 49-run partnership, but Konstas' sensational diving catch at deep midwicket ended Prasidh's innings.Rocchiccioli wrapped up the innings with his fourth wicket, leaving Australia A with a tricky chase. Konstas and Webster rose to the occasion, guiding their team to victory with an unbeaten 96-run stand.

Neil D'Costa, a renowned Australian batting coach, has cautioned against rushing 19-year-old sensation Sam Konstas into Test cricket for the upcoming series against India. D'Costa believes Konstas is not yet ready for the rigors of the five-day format, citing the cautionary example of Prithvi Shaw's decline in international cricket.D'Costa, who has coached the likes of Michael Clarke and Mitchell Starc, emphasizes the importance of allowing Konstas to develop his game in the Sheffield Shield. He believes that Konstas needs to gain experience and understanding of the game's nuances before being thrust into the international arena."He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests," D'Costa said. "Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield. Let him understand the grounds, the flows of the game, understand himself and understand the game."D'Costa's concerns stem from Konstas' recent performances for Australia A against India A, where he scored 2 and 43 in the first match and a duck and 16 in the second. While Konstas has shown great potential, D'Costa believes he needs more time to mature and develop his game.Other contenders for the opening spot alongside Usman Khawaja include Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft. However, D'Costa believes that Konstas should not be rushed into the team at the expense of more experienced players."It's just ridiculous (talk of rushing him in). How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in," D'Costa said.D'Costa's advice is based on his extensive experience in coaching young players. He believes that Konstas has the potential to become a great player, but that he needs to be given the time and space to develop his game properly.

Andrew McDonald, Australia's head coach, has hinted that 19-year-old Sam Konstas could make his Test debut against India despite his limited first-class experience. Konstas, who will play for Australia A against India A in Mackay from Thursday, has impressed with his performances in the Sheffield Shield, including back-to-back centuries in the first game of the season.McDonald emphasized that the selectors will prioritize selecting the best team for the present, regardless of age or experience. He believes that Konstas has shown enough potential to be considered for the vacant opening role alongside Usman Khawaja. The coach also dismissed concerns about protecting young players from strong opponents, stating that if Konstas is ready, he should be given the opportunity.Konstas' mentor, Shane Watson, has described the current selection debate as a "perfect storm" for the young opener. McDonald echoed this sentiment, stating that the selectors will not hold back players based on the opposition. He also highlighted the advantage of playing in familiar conditions for a player's first Test summer.Despite the decision to move Steven Smith back to No. 4, McDonald remains open to converting a middle-order batter into an opener if it is deemed the best solution. He cited examples of successful transitions by players like Shane Watson and Simon Katich. Nathan McSweeney, the South Australia captain, has also put his name in the frame for a call-up with his impressive start to the season.McDonald acknowledged the significance of Mohammed Shami's absence from the India squad but cautioned against underestimating the visitors. He pointed to India's previous tour of Australia, where an injury-depleted side famously won at the Gabba to take the series.

Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old batting prodigy, has emerged as a potential Test debutant for Australia in the upcoming home series against India. His mentor, former all-rounder Shane Watson, believes that the current circumstances present a "perfect storm" for Konstas to make his international debut.Konstas' twin centuries for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield earlier this month have propelled him into contention for a Test berth. He will feature for Australia A next week alongside Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris, as the selectors weigh their options.Watson, who has worked with Konstas for four years, highlights the player's exceptional talent and dedication. He believes that Konstas' age and the aging nature of the current Australian team make this an ideal time to inject young blood into the side."The whole situation is, in my mind, a perfect storm to be able to give him an opportunity to be able to play Test cricket," Watson said. "For me, this is an opportune time, knowing that the bowlers are aging, there's Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja as a starting point who are aging."Watson draws parallels between Konstas and Cameron Green, who made his Test debut at 21 on India's last tour of Australia. He emphasizes the importance of giving young players early opportunities to learn and develop."Australian cricket always did incredibly well was see someone who is different from all the younger stars coming through and get them into the Australian set-up, as early as they can within reason, to be able to help them learn," Watson said.Konstas' batting predecessors, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, were both given their Test debuts at the age of 20. Watson himself played ODI cricket as a 20-year-old, which he believes significantly accelerated his development."There's no doubt that my one-day cricket would never have evolved to the heights that it did without me being around the Aussie team [at a younger age]," Watson said.Konstas' single-minded dedication to his craft has impressed Watson. "From the first moment that I met Sam, the thing that jumped out at me the most was his desperate desire to be the best that he possibly could be," Watson said.With the Test series against India approaching, Konstas' chances of making his debut are growing. The selectors will have a tough decision to make, but Watson believes that the young prodigy is ready for the challenge.

Australia's search for a Test opener against India has taken an unexpected turn, with New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd suggesting that white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis should be considered alongside prodigy Sam Konstas.Inglis, 29, has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield this season, scoring two centuries and averaging over 50. Despite never having opened in first-class cricket, Shipperd believes Inglis' aggressive style and international experience make him a viable candidate."I'd have Inglis and Konstas in the conversation as one-two, two-one, and let the Australian selectors mull over those two," Shipperd said. "His performances for Australia have been first-class, and I think they're looking for a style of player at the top of the order, and Inglis may fit that brief."However, Inglis' lack of experience as an opener remains a concern. He has only batted above No. 6 in first-class cricket, and his highest score in that position is 122.Konstas, on the other hand, has shown promise as an opener, becoming the third-youngest player to score twin centuries in a Shield game. Shipperd believes Konstas has the skills and temperament to succeed at the highest level."He's really poised and balanced. Anytime you get through the first 25 overs of a Victorian attack with a new ball that shows you've got something," Shipperd said.Despite Konstas' impressive start, Shipperd acknowledges that he may benefit from more time in Shield cricket before making his Test debut."I'm not sure. That's a very good question, though," Shipperd said. "Yes, he was made to wait. So whether that made him or he was already made anyway, because he was scoring multiple hundreds across the course of that journey between him not being selected and then finally selected, I think at around 21.""But Sam, I do see a lot of that skill level and that poise at the crease, shots on both sides of the wicket, in front of the wicket, behind the wicket. I think he's got what it takes."The Australian selectors will have a tough decision to make when choosing their openers for the first Test against India. Inglis' experience and aggressive style could be a valuable asset, while Konstas' potential and impressive start in Shield cricket make him an intriguing option.

Teenaged batting prodigy Sam Konstas has earned a coveted opportunity to showcase his talents on the international stage, as he has been named in the Australia A squad for the upcoming red-ball series against India A. This selection marks a significant milestone in Konstas' burgeoning career, as he aims to impress the national selectors and secure a Test debut.Konstas' inclusion in the 17-man squad is a testament to his exceptional performances in the opening round of the Sheffield Shield. The 19-year-old opener lit up the domestic circuit with twin centuries against South Australia, becoming the first teenager to achieve this feat since Ricky Ponting in 1993.With allrounder Cameron Green ruled out of the summer due to injury and Steven Smith likely to move back to his preferred position at No. 4, Konstas has emerged as a potential contender for the first Test against India in Perth. The squad also includes experienced Test players Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, but Matt Renshaw has been omitted.Harris has started the season strongly with a century and a half-century, while Bancroft and Renshaw have struggled in recent matches. South Australia skipper Nathan McSweeney will captain Australia A, a role he has fulfilled on several previous occasions.Allrounder Beau Webster, the reigning Shield player of the season, is also in the mix for Test selection. Fringe Test quicks Scott Boland and Michael Neser have been selected, along with Victoria quick Fergus O'Neill. Offspinners Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli are also in the squad and will be vying for a spot on Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka early next year.Cooper Connolly, who made his ODI debut in England, is the only player named in both the ODI and Australia A squads. Josh Philippe and Jimmy Peirson will serve as wicketkeepers.The first four-day game in Mackay ends on November 3, followed by the first ODI on November 4. The second four-day game at the MCG runs from November 7-10, with the second and third ODIs scheduled for November 8 and 10.Australia's national selector, George Bailey, expressed excitement about the squad, particularly given the impressive performances in the early stages of the Sheffield Shield season. He emphasized that the selection process aimed to identify players who could contribute to the upcoming Test summer and reward strong domestic form.

Sam Konstas, the prodigious 19-year-old opener, has etched his name alongside Ricky Ponting in the annals of Sheffield Shield history by becoming the youngest player since the legendary Australian captain to score two centuries in the same match.Konstas's remarkable feat came in New South Wales' clash with South Australia at Cricket Central in Sydney. After compiling a brilliant 152 in the first innings, he continued his dominance in the second, amassing 105 runs from 225 deliveries.The hosts declared their innings at 282 for 6 late on day three, setting South Australia a daunting target of 389 runs for victory. However, Nathan Lyon struck early to dismiss Conor McInerney without scoring, leaving the visitors reeling at 7 for 1.Konstas's century was a testament to his exceptional talent and composure. He brought up his half-century with a blistering four that raced past extra cover, and despite South Australia's attempts to slow him down, he reached his century with a towering six over deep midwicket.His innings was not without its challenges. Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a sitter before Konstas got off the mark, but the teenager made the visitors pay dearly for the error. He also faced a wider line from South Australia's bowlers after tea, but he adjusted his game and continued to accumulate runs.Lyon, meanwhile, continued his impressive form ahead of the Test summer. He finished his first Shield innings with a five-wicket haul, ripping through the South Australian tail to ensure they were dismissed for 260.Konstas's performance has raised expectations for his future in the game. He is now the third youngest player in Shield history to score two centuries in the same match, behind only Ponting and Archie Jackson."Obviously very special," Konstas said of his achievement. "But hopefully we get the job done tomorrow and keep doing our basics well."

Teenage prodigy Sam Konstas has announced his arrival on the big stage with a stunning century for New South Wales against South Australia in Sydney. The 19-year-old opener struck 152 runs on day one of the Blues' Sheffield Shield season opener, showcasing his immense talent and potential.Konstas, who was a key member of Australia's U19 World Cup-winning team last year, has long been touted as one of the country's brightest young prospects. And he lived up to the hype on Tuesday, displaying a maturity and composure beyond his years.The right-hander cover-drove superbly throughout his innings, and took to spinner Ben Manenti by hitting him down the ground for three sixes. He brought up his century off his 163rd ball in the final over of the second session, nudging Brendan Doggett down to backward-square for a single.Konstas' first Sheffield Shield ton came with Australia's chief selector George Bailey in attendance. While the youngster is not yet in the conversation for the Test opening spot, good judges expect him to one day figure.Konstas made his Shield debut for NSW last summer, and amid glimpses of promise he brought up a maiden half-century in the last round against Queensland. But he looks a far more accomplished and confident batter this summer.He used his feet well to spin, and swept Nathan McSweeney for a big six before offering up his only chance with a missed stumping by Alex Carey. The youngster then brought up 150 by flat-batting a Lloyd Pope full toss over the legside. He was eventually caught at slip off the legspinner, when adjudged to have inside-edged a ball onto Carey's legs before it was caught by McSweeney."It was an amazing achievement. Obviously, it's good to get my first one," Konstas said. "I just have to be hungry for runs. And whatever teams I make, it's a bonus."With Shane Watson as his mentor, Konstas is a regular meditator before games and rushes to the wicket at the start of his innings."A big thing [I learned from last summer] was my mental stuff, just keeping simple plans and how can I do it for longer?" Konstas said. "I try to be calm.""I did [meditate] this morning, and then I was trying to do that on the field. Just breathing and using it to switch me on and off.""It worked today."Konstas' runs came as wickets fell around him under heavy cloud cover and light drizzle. Moises Henriques (five) and Matthew Gilkes (10) both fell to loose shots outside off stump, while Nic Maddinson was caught charging Manenti on 12.Oliver Davies provided some brief fireworks before being bowled by Jordan Buckingham for 37, while Josh Philippe hit 56 in his first Shield game for the Blues. Philippe was eventually stumped off Pope, as the South Australia spinner finished the day with 3 for 61 and NSW suffered a collapse of 3 for 17. Umpires called off play shortly after due to bad light, infuriating visiting captain McSweeney given he had kept his spinners bowling.

New South Wales (NSW) has bolstered its squad for the 2024-25 season with the addition of three promising youngsters from the Under-19 World Cup-winning team: Sam Konstas, Ryan Hicks, and Charlie Anderson. These talented players join experienced recruits Nic Maddinson and Josh Philippe, who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.Konstas, a 19-year-old batter, made an impressive debut for NSW last season, scoring a century in the Under-19 World Cup and a half-century in the Shield. He has earned a full contract, while Hicks and Anderson have been awarded rookie deals.Hicks, a wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his potential with a century in an Under-19 Youth Test against England. He will develop behind established keepers Philippe and Matthew Gilkes. Anderson, a bowler, impressed at the Under-19 World Cup and takes Jack Nisbet's rookie spot. Nisbet has been upgraded to a full contract after a successful debut Shield season.NSW chief of cricket performance Greg Mail expressed his delight at adding the trio to the squad. "Sam and Jack confirmed their talent last season and deserve their full contracts," he said. "Ryan and Charlie have also shown their readiness for professional opportunities."The addition of Maddinson and Philippe further strengthens NSW's squad. Maddinson, a former NSW captain, returns after six seasons with Victoria, while Philippe brings his experience from Western Australia."Players of their caliber don't become available often," said Mail. "They will enhance our balance and depth."Jason Sangha and Baxter Holt have departed the squad, with Sangha likely to join South Australia and Holt heading to Western Australia. Kurtis Patterson remains on the list despite exploring options elsewhere.The NSW squad for 2024-25 includes:* Sean Abbott (CA contract)* Charlie Anderson (rookie)* Jackson Bird* Pat Cummins (CA)* Joel Davies (rookie)* Oliver Davies* Ben Dwarshuis* Jack Edwards* Matt Gilkes* Chris Green* Ryan Hackney* Ryan Hadley* Liam Hatcher* Josh Hazlewood (CA)* Moises Henriques* Ryan Hicks (rookie)* Daniel Hughes* Hayden Kerr* Sam Konstas* Nathan Lyon (CA)* Nic Maddinson* Blake Nikitaras* Jack Nisbet* Kurtis Patterson* Josh Philippe* Will Salzmann (rookie)* Tanveer Sangha* Lachlan Shaw (rookie)* Steve Smith (CA)* Mitchell Starc (CA)* Chris Tremain* Adam Zampa (CA)