Marnus Labuschagne's coach warns against rushing Sam Konstas for BGT 2024-25 citing Prithvi Shaw's example

There has been a constant bout of chatter revolving around the future Test openers for Australia, particularly after David Warner's retirement as well as age counting against Usman Khawaja. While there are a handful of alternatives to pick from, one of the frontrunners seems to be 19-year-old Sam Konstas. The classy batter came into the reckoning to be one of the potential openers for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy after he racked up 152 and 105 runs in the Sheffield Shield, respectively.

Currently featuring for Australia 'A', it could be a distinct reality of him making his debut against India shortly. Esteemed batting coach, Neil D’Costa, who is currently serving as a personal coach for Australia's Marnus Labuschagne, was apprehensive of fast-tracking Konstas to the pinnacle of international cricket straightaway. 

"He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests. He’s another player who has shown great potential but let him play two years of Sheffield Shield. Let him understand the grounds [in Australia], understand the flows, understand himself, and understand the game. If he’s good enough, he will get the runs, and he’ll be in [the team in] a little bit,” D'Costa, was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

I could see his weaknesses before he went in: D'Costa

D'Costa also delved into Prithvi Shaw, who was at one point in time, deemed the next Sachin Tendulkar. He indirectly provided a caution to the Australian management to let Konstas ease into the side rather than hasten him into the mix. He also added that he had already figured out batting weaknesses which can trouble him a lot at the international cricket level.

“It’s just ridiculous. How’s Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in,” D’Costa stated.

Also Read: Ricky Ponting names Nathan McSweeney as Australia’s potential opener for BGT 2024-25

A young Shaw's deficiencies were found out in the very first Test of the 2020-21 series itself, post which he was dropped from the XI for the remainder of the series. He disappeared from the contention to be a component of the red-ball setup and has failed to make it anywhere close to the team ever since the Adelaide debacle.