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"He’s Only 19" Hussey Backs Struggling Sam Konstas, Urges Patience And Mental Toughness

Akshita Patel

Sam Konstas gets support from former legends [Source: @HustlerCSK, @7Cricket/X.com]Sam Konstas gets support from former legends [Source: @HustlerCSK, @7Cricket/X.com]

After a brilliant start to his Test career, young Australian opener Sam Konstas is going through a tough phase. Amid intense criticism, former cricketer Michael Hussey has come out in support of the youngster, saying Konstas needs time to find his own game.

The 19-year-old made an impressive debut with a quickfire 60 against India at the MCG, even daring to scoop Jasprit Bumrah for six. But since then, he has only managed 61 runs in five innings, raising questions about his place in the team.

Mike Hussey Shares Valuable Advice For Sam Konstas

Former Australian batter Mike Hussey has come out in support of Sam Konstas. Speaking to Fox Cricket and quoted by the Indian Express, Hussey said the youngster is still learning and must be given time. 

“(Konstas) is still a very young player, he’s only 19. He’s still trying to figure out his own game, at first-class level, let alone Test-match level in conditions that are so foreign to what he would be used to. I’m not sure he would have ever batted on pitches like what they’re getting in the West Indies. It’s great education for him, and we’re going to have to have some patience. It’s going to take some time and he’s going to have to learn on the job a bit,” Hussey said.

Konstas struggled in Barbados, where West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph troubled him with pace and movement. Joseph dismissed him twice, once LBW and then bowled. But Hussey remains positive, calling him a great talent who just needs experience and time to grow.

“But there’s no denying he’s got some great talent. I’m sure that the journey is going to be bumpy, particularly in the first few years. There’s going to be some ups and downs, but let’s hope there’s a few more ups than downs along the way,” he added.

Lastly, Hussey advised the 19-year-old to be patient and be mentally tough to endure the pressure of Test cricket.

“I feel as though teams will be targeting balls running back towards the stumps, LBW and bowled. He could probably just tighten up on that little part of his game a bit, but generally speaking his technique is reasonably sound. Then the mental side of the game kicks in and he’s just a little bit unsure, but that’s probably down to unfamiliar conditions in the West Indies."

Australian Coach Also Backs Konstas

 Andrew McDonald, Australia's head coach, has urged patience with young opener Sam Konstas and No. 3 batter Cameron Green after their struggles in the first Test against the West Indies. 

While Konstas scored 8 runs combined in two innings, Green could score only 3 and 15.

McDonald said adapting to Test cricket takes time and is mentally challenging. He praised Konstas’ learning approach and backed both players to succeed long-term.