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.
