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.”
