Synopsis
Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has urged selectors to send 19-year-old Sam Konstas back home if he is not included in the squad for the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka. Haddin emphasizes that playing state cricket would be more beneficial for Konstas’ development at this stage of his career.Key Takeaways
- Brad Haddin recommends sending Sam Konstas home if not needed for the second Test.
- Konstas should play state cricket instead of warming the bench.
- First-class experience is crucial for young players.
- Australia aims to prepare for the World Test Championship.
- Konstas is a promising talent with a bright future.
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) Former Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has suggested that selectors should consider sending 19-year-old Sam Konstas back to his home state to participate in local cricket if he is not part of the plans for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Although he made a notable debut against India, Konstas was excluded from the playing XI for the first Test, as the team chose to rely on the seasoned experience of Travis Head at the top order.
Haddin, who is a firm proponent of young players obtaining practical match exposure, believes that Konstas would gain more by returning to New South Wales for their upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba, rather than being a mere spectator in Sri Lanka.
In his comments, Haddin stressed that Konstas’ growth would be greatly enhanced by actual gameplay rather than sitting on the bench without any playing time.
“Let’s keep in mind he’s just 19, so if they don’t plan to use him for the second Test, I would suggest sending him back to play at the state level,” Haddin stated. “He has not had much playing time, and the more he plays, the better he will become. He would have gleaned valuable experience over the last few weeks in Sri Lanka, but if he’s not needed, he should return home to bat,” Haddin was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.
While recognizing that Konstas is picking up valuable insights from the senior squad, Haddin maintained that gaining first-class experience is vital at this stage of his career.
“He has participated in only 13 first-class matches, and while he will benefit from learning from senior players, the best way for him to excel is by spending time on the field,” he noted.
Even though he has been left out of the Test XI in Sri Lanka, Haddin anticipates that Konstas will play an essential role in Australia’s Test future, particularly during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June.
“I believe he’s been sidelined because Australia had a strategy set well in advance for their approach in Sri Lanka,” Haddin explained. “We’ve observed how effectively Travis Head and Uzzie (Khawaja) performed at the top of the order, but I think he (Konstas) will be brought straight back in for the Test Championship.”
Konstas has emerged as one of Australia’s most promising young batting talents, rapidly advancing in the last six months with impressive performances in both domestic and international cricket.
“He has seemingly emerged from nowhere in the past half-year because he is a high-caliber player who is still developing his skills,” Haddin added. “At just 19 years old, he has a bright future ahead, and we can expect to see a remarkable player for many years to come.”
Australia’s choice to prioritize seasoned players over youth has thus far proven effective, as the team retained the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy following a commanding innings-and-242-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test.
The Australian top order excelled in Galle, with Usman Khawaja achieving a historic score of 232, while Travis Head and Steve Smith also made significant contributions.
