Andrew McDonald Backs Sam Konstas (Source: @AussiesArmy/x.com, @VicStateCricket/x.com)
The ongoing Test series between West Indies is witnessing the pure Aussie dominance as they have already bagged the series. With a 2-0 lead, they are now looking forwards the the last Test match of the series.
Despite their brilliance, young opener Sam Konstas’ consecutive failure is adding buzz. But while backing the youngster, Australian coach Andrew McDonald insists it’s far too soon to pass judgment on the rising star.
McDonald Shuts Down Early Criticism Of Konstas
In the ongoing Test series against the West Indies, Australia has pulled out two brilliant victories and leading the series by a 2-0 margin. Despite their brilliant display, Sam Konstas’ ongoing struggle is sparking concerns. After scoring 8 runs in the first Test, Konstas scored 25 in the first innings of the second Test and registered a duck on the second innings.
His lean patch has sparked criticism, with questions swirling around his form. As quoted by ESPNcricinfo, McDonald threw his full support behind the youngster, silencing the doubters.
“Four games in, eight innings, it's probably early for anyone to judge, really. I think the challenges in Test cricket aren't necessarily always your skill level or your technique. It's dealing with the moments, the pressure, all the other things that externally come with that as well. He's a player finding his feet in the environment,” he said.
Despite Konstas’ ongoing struggle, the Aussie coach discovered some silver linings. Pointing to his bright start in the second Test, he highlighted the progress Konstas made after the first Test.
“[It was] a small step forward in the last game with that first innings. I thought the way he structured up his first 20-odd balls, he had the positive intent, he was moving a lot better compared to the game before where it looked like he was stuck in the middle and didn't know whether to play a shot and it was either ultra-aggressive or ultra-defensive,” he added.
Domestic Cricket Can Be Perfect Practice Stage Ahead Of The Ashes
As the Ashes is set to commence on November 2025, Konstas will have a chance to regain his form in the domestic stage. Australia A’s tour of India in September and Sheffield Shield in October are coming up as big opportunities for the Aussie youngster. Coach Andrew McDonald believes these domestic battles will be vital in sharpening his skills ahead of the high-stakes Ashes series.
“There's great opportunity in domestic cricket at the start of the season, and there always is leading into any Test series. We saw with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, there was opportunity for players to put their hand up there. There's also Australia A [against Sri Lanka A] in the Top End [Darwin] at the moment, so we're watching that closely…so it's really about the opportunity that presents,” he said.
Australia is all set to face West Indies in the third Test match of the series on July 13 at the Sabina Park as the venue is set to host its first day-night Test match. With a commanding 2-0 lead, Pat Cummins and his side will be aiming to seal a memorable clean sweep.
