Teenage opener Sam Konstas is keen to put behind his forgettable trip to the West Indies and show his value as a selection to the Australian Ashes squad later this year.
On his recent 3-0 whitewash in the Caribbean with Australia, the 19 year old mustered only 50 runs at an average of 8.33, but he says it was a good learning curve. Now that David Warner had retired, Konstas feels that he can still have the potential to be the one to rise to the occasion.
Asked by the Sydney Daily Telegraph whether every cricketer experiences highs and lows, the Indian told Sydney: “I feel like I do.” Even the most skilled players are doomed 70 per cent of the time. I have also made it a lesson and I believe I will also emerge a better cricketer as a result of it.”
Konstas was a sparkling debutant with his 60 against India at the MCG last Boxing Day but his form since has slowed. To reset, he has thrown social media out the window, and is now targeting successive four-day games against Australia A in late September in India.
Konstas said his initial games will be critical, but that he would simply like to perfect his process. I am concentrating on playing in the present, getting runs in whatever version it is and leaving selection to selectors.
The youngster has also sought the advice of the senior talisman and Pat Cummins has given him tips dealing with the pressure of Test cricket and Steve Smith his batting technique.
Konstas added: “All I need to do is prepare well, get all the boxes ticked off and I keep it simple–see the ball, hit the ball–and I am ready.” When it is in my area I will attack. It is lowering down and reading the game and playing with freedom.
The Australians will launch their Ashes defence against England in Perth where the first of the Tests starts on November 21-25.
