Sam Konstas aims to return to the Test squad. [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]
Just like his display of lion-hearted batting on Test debut six weeks ago, it is utterly impressive for someone as young as Sam Konstas to put on display long-term career goals. Just over a week after a demotion in the Australian squad, the 19-year-old right-handed batter has categorially unveiled intentions of playing ICC World Test Championship 2023/25 final and Ashes 2027 in England.
Slated to return to the Sheffield Shield in the nearest future, Konstas should be in consideration for both the WTC final and Australia’s tour of West Indies 2025. Solid performances in the Test cricket will further press his case towards playing his first-ever Ashes series at home later this year.
Endorsed by Australia batter Travis Head, who is opening the batting in his place in Sri Lanka, Konstas aims to become an all-format player just like him. Aware of his privilege to get to learn from the likes of contemporary Australian cricketers at such a young age, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Konstas playing all formats for his country soon.
Sam Konstas Wants To Play Test Cricket In England
In a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Sam Konstas expressed intentions of playing Test cricket in England – a dream for any Australian cricketer. In order to prepare for a hard-fought away Ashes series, Konstas is even ready to take the County route.
“I remember as a kid, we would mimic some of the England bowlers in the backyard Ashes series with my brothers. Stuart Broad a few times and Jimmy Anderson. Hopefully, I get that opportunity to play over there,” Konstas told The Sydney Morning Herald.
With Australia not winning an Ashes series away from home since 2001, Konstas will have a golden chance to be part of a historic series victory after more than 25 years, assuming it happens.
For the unversed, Konstas had played two U-19 Tests in England in 2023. Chasing a 190-run target in Worcester, he scored a match-winning 84* (64) at a strike rate of 131.25 as the visitors secured an 8-wicket victory in the 22nd over.
Additionally, half of his 12 Youth ODIs came in England. Including a 105* (120) in a run-chase and a couple of ducks, he scored a total of 163 runs at an average and strike rate of 40.75 and 80.69 respectively in this format in English conditions.