Shane Watson backs ‘perfect storm’ Sam Konstas for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

With Steve Smith set to be back at number four in Test cricket and Cameron Green out injured, Australia are eagerly looking for an opener to partner Usman Khawaja in the upcoming series against Pakistan as well as the eagerly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The likes of Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matthew Renshaw are currently auditioning in the Sheffield Shield but neither the team management nor the selection committee have finalised someone.

In the meantime, former cricketer Shane Watson backed youngster Sam Konstas for the high-voltage series. Representing New South Wales, the 19-year-old recently hit a twin century against South Australia in Sydney and keeping it in mind, Watson believes that Konstas can be the right fit. He believes that the youngster can bring in a different aspect and added that with all the legends growing old, Cricket Australia should also focus on bringing in newer talent.

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“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. For me, this is an opportune time, knowing that the bowlers are ageing, there's Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja as a starting point who are ageing,” Watson told AAP. 

“They've still obviously got a lot of great cricket in front of them. But the one thing 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,” he added.

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Konstas has played six first class games in his career, scoring 457 runs at an average of 45.70. Meanwhile, Watson has known the player for the last three years and acted as his mentor. He noted that Konstas is extremely dedicated and also lauded his shot selections.

“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. The first time I had a net session with him as a 16-year-old, he hit the ball differently; the shot options that he had available to him and his defence,” Watson said.