Sam Konstas in Test cricket for Australia (Source: AFP)
Australia have announced the squad for the first Ashes Test, and it is Steve Smith who will lead them in the absence of Pat Cummins. Marnus Labuschagne has also been selected in the squad after his consistent show at the domestic level and could make it to the XI for the opening Test as well.
Sam Konstas, on the other hand, has been omitted after failing to score consistently in the opportunities he got at the international level. However, he remains one of the most exciting young talents in Australia and would be on the selection radar, according to the chief selector George Bailey.
Bailey expresses confidence in Sam Konstas' skills after exclusion
During the announcement of the squad, George Bailey mentioned that he feels sorry for Sam Konstas. He stated that the young man has been put under a lot of pressure from the media and added that even if he farts, it becomes a headline.
Bailey clarified that the selectors are confident of the skills that Sam Konstas possess. He added that they feel that in the long run, Konstas will develop into a dependable asset.
"I feel for Sammy. I feel like at the moment if he farts, it's a headline. We really like him...we like the skill set there, (we're) confident that over the long run it'll continue to build out".
George Bailey asks Sam Konstas to deliver in domestic cricket
Bailey added that Sam Konstas has to score runs in domestic cricket and try to bat as long as possible. He added that the no cricketer's career is linear and Konstas would have to work his way upto the top.
"It's not going to be linear – no-one's passage through their career is linear. But the message is just to keep it simple, and score runs and bat for as long and as helpful a way as you can for New South Wales."
Thus, Sam Konstas, despite being dropped, is bound to get his chances in future if he manages to impress at the domestic level on a consistent basis. The first Ashes Test will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 21.
