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"Very Lucky To...": Sam Konstas Admits 'Warner Mindset' Boost Ahead Of The Ashes

Soumyajit Dutta

Sam Konstas and David Warner [Source: @graphic_joseph/X.com]Sam Konstas and David Warner [Source: @graphic_joseph/X.com]

Young Australian opener Sam Konstas is targeting a strong start to the domestic season to push for selection in the upcoming home Ashes series. His preparations will begin with two crucial four-day matches for Australia 'A' against India 'A', providing a vital platform to regain form after a challenging debut Test tour.

The 19-year-old, who was recently named in a 14-man Australia 'A' squad, views the subsequent Sheffield Shield matches in October as his primary opportunity to state his case to national selectors.

Konstas Trusts His 'Inner Circle' For Growth

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Konstas shared his feelings ahead of Australia A's tour as he stressed on the importance of the game.

"It's massive, it's going to be a big four games and I expect that. For me it's just trying to best prepare, and then obviously trusting what I think is right in that current moment," the youngster said in an interview to ESPNCricinfo.

To aid Konstas' development in Test cricket, the promising batter is drawing on the wisdom of senior figures within the Australian setup, including former opener David Warner.

"I am very lucky to be working with the best in the world. I'm still learning about my game and finding what works in different conditions. Understanding the situations, when to soak up pressure [and] when to attack the game. I just like his (David Warner) mindset, he takes the game on and he's very aggressive. He's always trying to dictate terms in the way he likes to," Konstas added.

With the backing of both selector George Bailey and captain Pat Cummins, Konstas is adopting a resilient mindset for the challenges ahead. "As an athlete, you're going to go through failures and successes, but I tell you, build from those failures and become a better person and cricketer," Konstas added.

Konstas Looks To Bounce Back

Konstas is looking to rebound from a difficult introduction to Test cricket during Australia's recent tour of the West Indies, where he managed a top score of just 25 across six innings.

"It was my first time playing in the West Indies, and first time facing those bowlers. They bowled well and hopefully I can build from that experience," Konstas concluded.

Notably, Sam Konstas has featured in 5 Tests so far, playing 10 innings and scoring 163 runs at an average of 16.30, with a highest score of 60. He is yet to register a century but has one half-century to his name. Across these outings, he has faced 289 balls at a strike rate of 56.40, hitting 19 fours and 2 sixes.