Sam Konstas has another hundred, belting 149 in an attacking masterclass against Western Australia in NSW’s One Day Cup clash on Saturday night.
During the week, the prodigious talent scored his first Sheffield Shield century since December when he finished unbeaten on 151 from 167 balls in the second innings against WA.
NSW remained in Perth ahead of their One Day clash and Konstas strolled to the crease at No.3 after Riley Kingsell fell in the second over.
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From there he once again wreacked havoc on the Western Australian bowling cartel, reaching triple figures after only 106 balls before his innings came to an end on 149 from 131.
On the way, Konstas belted 15 boundaries and four maximums, with two fours and one six coming in an expensive 18-run Mahli Beardman over late in his barrage.
“Huge expectations on this young man’s shoulders… now he has a hundred, what a week it has been for Sam Konstas,” the commentator said on Kayo Sports.
“His second List A hundred to go along with the 150 against Western Australia a couple of days ago in the (Sheffield) Shield.
“The reputation is growing and the knocking on the door is getting lounder.”
Following his midweek Shield century, former NSW coach Greg Shipperd backed Konstas to return to the top of the order for Australia during the Test summer.
The spotlight is on Pat Cummins’ side after an ugly batting display in the first innings, with wildcard opener Nic Maddinson failing to fire alongside the under-siege Marnus Labuschagne.
Konstas already have five Test appearances to his name, having made his debut against India in a Boxing Day Test at only 19 years of age.
Following a run-filled week, the talented batsmen could be firmly in selection calculations following the South Africa series.
“As far as Sam goes, well, what a unique story, he made some early season hundreds (in 2024) and ended up playing for Australia,” Shipperd said on SEN.
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“He thinks on his feet; he took down (Jasprit) Bumrah and Australia won the Test match. He was so young in his game, he thought that that may be the recipe for the rest of his career.
“But you know, domestic cricket is better than that, bowlers are better than that, and strategy from other teams is better than that. They put the pressure back on him, so there was a realisation point where he needed to tidy and clean up his technique.”
Shipperd also explained that Konstas spent a lengthy period getting “lots of 30s” but has turned those scores into big hundreds so far this season.
“He’s restarted that process this year very well, so for me I’d have him flagged as Renshaw’s opening partner in the New Zealand series for me as trying to find that next opening partnership, which is crucial to the stability of the Australian cricket team,” he said.
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