Synopsis
Ian Healy has called for Sam Konstas to return from the Sri Lanka tour to play in Sheffield Shield matches, emphasizing the importance of red-ball experience ahead of the World Test Championship. Konstas' recent performances have shown promise, and Healy believes returning to New South Wales will benefit his development as a player.Key Takeaways
- Ian Healy supports bringing Sam Konstas back from Sri Lanka.
- Konstas needs more red-ball experience before the World Test Championship.
- Healy believes observing seasoned players is crucial for Konstas.
- Konstas impressed during his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- Former wicketkeeper Brad Haddin agrees with Healy's sentiments.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Australian cricket legend Ian Healy has joined the chorus advocating for Sam Konstas to be sent back home from the Sri Lanka tour. This move is aimed at allowing the young player to participate in crucial Sheffield Shield matches in preparation for the upcoming World Test Championship later this year.
Konstas made headlines recently with an impressive debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, notably executing a remarkable dismissal of Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah. Despite his standout performances in the last two Tests of the series, the 19-year-old found himself sidelined for Australia’s significant victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, with Josh Inglis taking his place while Travis Head moved to the opening slot.
Given Australia’s commanding lead over the hosts in Galle, it appears unlikely that any alterations will be made for the second Test starting on Thursday. Healy is of the opinion that Konstas should return to play for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield, allowing him to gain more red-ball experience ahead of the World Test Championship final.
"You don’t provide opportunities in a Test team lightly, so they will retain the same team as long as everyone remains fit. Australia will stick with the same lineup, and I support the notion of sending Konstas home to play First Class," Healy remarked on SENQ Breakfast.
"He’s spent a week in Dubai; he’s had over a week of training in Sri Lanka, observing a Test match and learning from the dressing room dynamics and how players approach each session.
“If he’s not going to play, he might as well be back playing for New South Wales to gain valuable red-ball experience, as he will be utilized in the World Test Championship. He’ll return to be the opening batsman against South Africa, so he needs to have some red-ball cricket under his belt," he elaborated.
Healy believes that the recent weeks have provided Konstas with invaluable insights into thriving in international conditions.
“He would have gained beneficial knowledge. Observing the determination of Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, particularly how Khawaja approached the fifth session of his innings, is instructive.
“He would have absorbed strategies and actively participated in them, thus gaining significant learning," Healy concluded.
Previously, former wicketkeeper Brad Haddin had suggested that Konstas should return to New South Wales to compete in their forthcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the Gabba.
