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Sam Konstas In Horrible Form; Replacements Australia Could Consider In Current WTC Cycle

Debashis Sarangi

Konstas feels the heat over non-performance [Source: AP, @cricketcomau/X]Konstas feels the heat over non-performance [Source: AP, @cricketcomau/X]

Promising Australian opener Sam Konstas finds himself in troubled waters, with a persistent lean patch jeopardising his spot in Test cricket. Hailed as the next big thing in Australian cricket, Konstas made an instant impact in his debut game, amassing a sensational fifty against India at MCG. 

Sam Konstas' Poor Form Could Force Australia To Replace Him In Tests

However, his Test career has only gone downhill since then, with the batter finding it incredibly tough to meet the demands of Test cricket. In five Tests, Sam Konstas has managed only 163 runs at an average of 16.3. 

The recently concluded series against West Indies was a nightmare for the youngster, as he could score 50 runs across six innings at an horrendous average of 8.33. His technical flaws were exploited by the West Indies pacers, and with Usman Khawaja also struggling, the Aussies might decide to replace Konstas with a more reliable batter in their Test setup. 

Thus, as the 2023 WTC champions are searching for a suitable alternative, here are three players who can be tried as the replacement of Konstas in the current cycle. 

Players Whom Australia Can Try As Konstas' Replacement

1. Nathan McSweeney

  • Nathan McSweeney is exactly opposite to Sam Konstas in terms of batting style. While Konstas plays an aggressive game with bravery, McSweeney's dodged resistance makes him a candidate for the opening slot. 
  • The right-handed batter has a comparatively better technique than Konstas. He has showcased his ability to bat long in First-Class cricket, amassing 2605 runs, including six hundreds and fourteen fifties, at an average of 35.68. 
  • So, Konstas, who has barely played 20 First-Class games, might lose his place to McSweeney, who recently struck a valiant 220-ball 94 against Sri Lanka-A. 

2. Jake Weatherald

  • Left-handed batter Jake Weatherald has been one of the impressive performers in the Australian domestic circuit. 
  • Overall, the top-order batter has clobbered 4838 runs at a healthy average of 36.37. He has struck 12 hundreds and 23 fifties, exhibiting his ability to convert starts into big scores. 
  • More importantly, Weatherald is also a renowned name in the Big Bash League and can switch gears upon getting set. Therefore, if Australia are searching for someone who can accelerate after neutralising the new-ball spell, the 30-year-old can be an option worth considering. 

3. Kurtis Patterson

  • Kurtis Patterson has been consistency personified in the Australian domestic cricket. The southpaw has enjoyed stellar success in First-Class cricket, scoring 6728 runs, including thirteen centuries and 28 half-centuries, at a superb average of 38.89. 
  • He has performed admirably in the Sheffield Shield, proving his mettle as a dependable top-order batter for New South Wales. 
  • Interestingly, Patterson has played two Tests for Australia, recording an incredible average of 144. So, if Konstas gets sidelined, Patterson could receive a recall to the Test team.