The Sports Desk
Australia’s rising star Sam Konstas is ready for a high point in his young career as he aims to nail down a place in the home Ashes series. The 19-year-old opener’s season will start with two four-day games in India for Australia A, before a month that could define Sheffield Shield cricket with NSW.
Konstas, who hit headlines with a fearless 60 on Test debut against India at the MCG last year, says he has no regrets about his no-fear approach – even if runs have been hard to come by since. Even though Imam hasn’t reached the 25-run mark in nine Test innings, the teenager is still adamant about ‘playing his natural game’.
“I wouldn’t change it. I don’t have any regrets. It’s as aggressive as I can be in the game assuming my opponent is making all the right moves, and try to find ways to win,” Konstas said.
Blocking out the noise
To keep concentrated, Konstas has remained off social media. His initial knock sent him to more than 281,000 Instagram followers and counting, but the young gun reckons switching off from social media will be the key to sharpening his game.
“I used to be on social media for a year but now I’ve stopped so that I’m more present and concentrate on cricket,” he said.
Eyeing Ashes glory
With Usman Khawaja yet to announce his opening partner, Konstas is among the favorites to open the batting. His immediate goal is to score as many runs in India and then take calls on continuing the confidence in the domestic season.
Already exposed to conditions in the West Indies, Sri Lanka and the MRF Academy in India, Konstas is expecting getting used to the different surfaces to help his growth.
“A key part of the process is the more games I get, the more I’ll keep learning and keep adapting. It’s about defining my strategy for every single position,” he said.
As preparations intensify for the Ashes in Australia, Konstas is down-to-earth, focused and happy to press his case – without a backward glance for critics or regrets.
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