Konstas himself was unable to play more than 10 Tests for Australia after being humiliated by Jasprit Bumrah
Former England fast bowler and Ashes winner Steve Harmison has made a bold statement regarding Australian opener Sam Konstas’ future in Test cricket. Steve Harmison has expressed uncertainty over Sam Konstas’ career, adding that the 19-year-old may not play more than 10 Test matches.
Konstas made his Test debut for Australia in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. The batsman impressed with his performance, scoring 50 on debut in Melbourne. He displayed an array of batting skills including ramps and sweeps against world number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Konstas himself will not play even 10 test matches – Steve Harmison
Speaking on talkSPORT Cricket, Steve Harmison expressed mixed feelings about Sam Konstas’ future in Test cricket. Harmison acknowledged Konstas’ impressive striking skills but questioned whether the 19-year-old has the necessary defensive technique to succeed at the highest level.
“Part of me thinks Sam Konstas won’t even play 10 Test matches. Part of me thinks this kid can be an absolute superstar if he does. He’s got the talk, he’s got the ramps, he’s got the tackles, he’s got the big shots, but does he have the defensive technique that he can to open the batting in Test cricket against the best in the world?” Harminson said on talkSPORT cricket.
He just wants to be David Warner, and technically he’s not even close – Steve Harmison
During the same show, Steve Harmison said that Sam Konstas seemed to be trying to imitate David Warner’s style. But Harmison believes that Konstas’ technique is not at the same level as Warner’s. Harmison said he would be “happy” if Konstas was Australia’s first player in the Ashes.
“I look at him and think he just wants to be David Warner and technically he’s nowhere near as good as David and that for me… if he opens the batting against England I’d be happy. I really would. I know we’re a long way from The Ashes,” Harmison said.
Sam Konstas named in Australian Test squad for upcoming tour of Sri Lanka
Konstas scored 113 runs in four innings in two Tests against India. His average was under 30 despite a strike rate of 81.88. He has been named in Australia’s 16-man squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, alongside Nathan McSweeney, who he replaced in the third Test against India.
This tour will be a big challenge for both players. Konstas is not known for his anti-spin ability. With Australia having already qualified for the World Test Championship final, they could experiment by playing both players. The tour begins on January 29 in Galle, with the second Test at the same venue on February 6.
The last time Australia visited Sri Lanka in 2022, the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. Australia won the first game by 10 wickets, but Sri Lanka leveled the series in the second Test thanks to a stunning debut performance from Prabath Jayasuriya, where he took 12 wickets.
