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The “deep conversation” selectors must have around Konstas and Boxing Day Test
Lachlan Geleit • December 19th, 2024 12:34 pm
SEN Cricket’s Gerard Whateley thinks that Australian selectors must seriously consider bringing Sam Konstas into the Boxing Day Test squad to face India.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant season so far, making 670 runs in the Sheffield Shield + PM’s XI clash including three centuries at an average of 55.83. He also started his BBL campaign in stunning fashion with 56 from 27 balls on debut for the Sydney Thunder against the Adelaide Strikers.
With all of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne failing in the drawn Brisbane Test, Whateley thinks that selectors will be pondering whether to add Konstas as cover, even though the current top three may be being judged differently by the Aussie side than the casual cricket fan.
“I think there's a really deep conversation this morning that I imagine is being had as to whether they bring Sam Konstas into this squad later today and have him as an option,” Whateley told SEN Mornings.
“The top three aren't making runs, but they are being used as human shields. I find this so interesting, the idea of delaying Head's arrival at the crease by putting bodies forward, and if they face their 55 balls and get through and Head arrives in the 34th over, then he can take total control of the game … they're measuring it on a different stick than we are.
“The only real consideration today is whether Konstas comes into the squad and then whether you play him in that huge environment on Boxing Day.
“It'd be bold, I think it would be hugely popular. Is he more likely to succeed than one of those three at the moment? That's actually the consideration.”
While Whateley would probably bring both Konstas into the squad and into the team if he were in charge of the XI, he can’t see the teenager being rushed in to make his Test debut next week given how stoic the Aussie selectors have proven with this side.
“I don't know, to be honest (if it would be the right call),” Whateley said.
“I think I would do it, but I'm a bit more imaginative on these fronts.
“This selection panel is absolutely stoic. The series is locked at 1-1 and Australia has dominated the past two Test matches.
“If they entered a state of flux now and destabilise things, that would undermine everything that they stand for and do with the team.
“On the cold consideration of, is Konstas more likely to be successful than either Khawaja or McSweeney? I actually think the answer to that is yes, but that's easy to say on the outside.”
Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test will be released shortly with at least Josh Hazlewood (calf strain) dropping out with a new bowler set to take his place.
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