Australian Coach Cautions Against Rushing Sam Konstas into Test Cricket
D'Costa pointed out that Konstas has demonstrated significant potential but stressed the need for further seasoning. "Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield," he advised. "If he's good enough, he will get the runs, and he'll be in a little bit."
Melbourne—In a recent statement, prominent Australian batting coach Neil D'Costa has urged caution regarding the inclusion of rising star Sam Konstas in the Test squad, referencing the decline of Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw as a warning. D'Costa believes that the 19-year-old Konstas is not yet prepared for the demands of Test cricket ahead of the anticipated five-match series against India, which is set to kick off on November 22 in Perth.
D'Costa, who has a rich coaching background that includes working with players like Michael Clarke and the late Phillip Hughes, emphasized the importance of experience and maturity in the five-day format. He is currently coaching Marnus Labuschagne and has previously worked with Konstas, who is now under the guidance of Tahmid Islam and Shane Watson.
The coach expressed concern that introducing Konstas to Test cricket at this stage might be detrimental to his development. “He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests,” D'Costa warned, advocating for a gradual approach. He suggested that Konstas should spend at least two more years honing his skills in the Sheffield Shield, Australia's domestic first-class competition, to gain a deeper understanding of the game, the playing conditions, and himself as a player.
D'Costa pointed out that Konstas has demonstrated significant potential but stressed the need for further seasoning. "Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield," he advised. "If he's good enough, he will get the runs, and he'll be in a little bit."
The coach’s comments come at a time when there is considerable speculation regarding who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order for the series against India. Alongside Konstas, players like Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft are also vying for the opening spot.
D'Costa also reflected on the challenges faced by young players in the transition to international cricket, citing Shaw's struggles as a pertinent example. "It's just ridiculous. How's Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in," he remarked, indicating the importance of ensuring that young talents are fully prepared before stepping into the pressure of Test matches.
While Konstas had a strong start to the domestic season with successive hundreds for New South Wales, he faced difficulties in subsequent matches, scoring just 2 and 43 against Victoria and then failing to make significant contributions in two outings for Australia A against India A. D'Costa's insights emphasize the need for patience and careful consideration in the development of young cricketers as they navigate the complexities of the game at the highest level.
