The article discusses Australia's ongoing search for a consistent opening batsman. The selectors' indecisiveness and unconventional choices, like promoting Travis Head to open in Sri Lanka, are criticized. The article argues for Sam Konstas, highlighting his ability against pace and the need for experience on spinning pitches.
Given the national selectors’ prevarication over the opening batting position for almost three years, it borders on bizarre that the waft of rumour coming out of the Sri Lankan touring squad is that Sam Konstas will not be facing the new cherry at Galle on January 29.
The next experiment was to give Nathan McSweeney the ticket, even though he had never opened the batting in first-class or List A matches. McSweeney had been making runs for South Australia, but exclusively in the middle order, so naturally he is a candidate to open in the India Tests facing some fairly serious fast bowling. Yeah, nah., a prodigal teenager with a combination of fearless and maniacal strokes.
Opening the batting will require a different skill set from what was required during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia would be best suited by a right-left combination at the crease in any case: Konstas with Usman Khawaja .The medium to long-term notion is for Konstas to get experience in different conditions.
Webster bowled tidy medium pace as the grassy SCG demanded in the fifth Test against India, but he may well be called on to revisit his original finger spinning skill if Galle is served up as expected. Australia will play two pace bowlers, no matter what the pitch brings. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are both excellent reverse swing merchants, which leaves the spin bowling options to support Nathan Lyon. Matthew Kuhnemann is the favourite, thumb permitting.
AUSTRALIA CRICKET OPENING BATSMAN SAM KONSTAS TRAVIS HEAD SELECTION DEBATE
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Konstas' Sri Lanka Test Debut: A Gamble on Talent or a Ticket to Replace Head?Teenager Sam Konstas has been included in Australia's touring squad for Sri Lanka, raising questions about his ability to thrive on spin-friendly wickets and potentially displace Travis Head as opener. Bailey highlights Konstas' quick learning and unorthodox batting style, but acknowledges the challenge of adapting to Sri Lankan conditions. The squad also features several young talents like Cooper Connolly and Matthew Kuhnemann.
Read more »
Konstas' Sri Lanka Debut Faces Head CompetitionYoung Australian batsman Sam Konstas is set to make his debut in Sri Lanka, but faces stiff competition from Travis Head.
Read more »
Back Konstas and leave Head in middle order in Sri Lanka, urges ClarkeMichael Clarke has been unveiled as the 64th inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. He has his say on Australia’s XI ahead of the two Tests in Sri Lanka.
Read more »
Back Konstas and leave Head in middle order in Sri Lanka, urges ClarkeMichael Clarke has been unveiled as the 64th inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. He has his say on Australia’s XI ahead of the two Tests in Sri Lanka.
Read more »
What Sam Konstas’ searing debut means for Australia’s futureSam Konstas’ incredible Boxing Day innings created breathing space for Australia by scattering India.
Read more »
Konstas's Explosive Start Sets Stage for Australia's Dominance on Day 1Australia kicked off the Boxing Day Test against India with a blistering display of batting, spearheaded by Travis Konstas's unorthodox approach. Konstas's aggressive shots, including ramps and pulls, unsettled India's bowlers and disrupted their plans. This aggressive start allowed Steve Smith and others to build a comfortable position for Australia at the end of day 1.
Read more »