Australia's legendary fast bowler Brett Lee has labelled 19-year-old New South Wales opener Sam Konstas as 'an absolute weapon' weeks ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at home. Konstas who scored twin centuries in New South Wales' Sheffield Shield 2024-25 campaign opener to equal Ricky Ponting's feat has been picked in Australia 'A' squad for two-match series against India 'A' starting October 31. As Australia search for a new opener in Tests, Lee feels that Konstas is a ‘raw talent’.
“It is not because he is wearing a blue cap and I am a proud New South Welshmen, but he has had a fantastic start to his First Class career,” he told Fox Cricket podcast The Follow On.
“To make two hundreds back-to-back — he has only played a handful of Sheffield Shield matches — but I have kept a close eye on him for the last couple of years. He has come through the ranks and done very, very well from Under 19 cricket to get into the Sheffield Shield squad under some good guidance as well.
“He has been doing a lot of work with Shane Watson and I am very good mates with ‘Watto’ — he has had a bit of a keen eye on him — and a lot of the guys around his cricket club have been helping him out as well. This guy is an absolute weapon. He is a raw talent.”
A few contenders for the vacant opening spot since Cameron Green got injured and Steve Smith took his old position are Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw.
Konstas’ crucial knock amidst collapse
Since being named in Australia ‘A’ squad, Konstas was dismissed lbw for two runs by Victoria's Scott Boland in the ongoing game. However, in the second innings, he showed some glimpses of what he can do with a 97-ball 43 amidst a collapse. He shared a crucial 62-run partnership for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe.
Smith on Konstas
Meanwhile, his New South Wales teammate Smith has lauded him as well.
“He plays fast bowling and spin from what I’ve seen in the brief couple of times I’ve seen him bat (and) it’s looked really good,” Smith said.
“He’s a bright prospect. (But you have) got to remember he’s only 19 as well, so ... he’s got plenty of time. But what I’ve seen so far, it looks promising.”
