Australian Coach Warns Against Rushing Sam Konstas Into Test Team, Citing Prithvi Shaw's Experience
Neil D’Costa, a well-respected sports science coach and batting mentor who has worked with top players like Marnus Labuschagne, highlighted the risks of rushing young players. He referenced the cautionary tale of Prithvi Shaw, who was thrust into the Indian Test team at a young age but has struggled since a challenging tour of Australia in 2020-21.
Sam Konstas, the promising young cricketer from New South Wales, is generating excitement within Australian cricket circles as a potential long-term replacement for David Warner. However, senior figures are urging caution against hastily fast-tracking him into the Test side for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
At just 19 years old, Konstas recently made his debut for Australia A during India's developmental tour. His performances in the Sheffield Shield and club cricket have caught the attention of selectors, leading to discussions about his readiness for the Test arena. Despite the visible talent and skill, experts believe that Konstas should be given more time to develop his temperament before facing the pressures of international cricket.
Neil D’Costa, a well-respected sports science coach and batting mentor who has worked with top players like Marnus Labuschagne, highlighted the risks of rushing young players. He referenced the cautionary tale of Prithvi Shaw, who was thrust into the Indian Test team at a young age but has struggled since a challenging tour of Australia in 2020-21. D’Costa warned, “He could be a good player for 100 Tests. If they put him in now, he might only play 10 Tests. Let him play two years of Sheffield Shield. Let him understand the grounds, the flows, and the game.”
D’Costa criticized the notion of rushing Konstas, pointing out that Shaw's early promotion to the national side exposed weaknesses that have hindered his career. “It’s just ridiculous. How’s Prithvi Shaw going? I could see his weaknesses before he went in,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of allowing young players to mature in the domestic circuit.
Konstas had a promising start to his season with New South Wales, scoring two centuries. However, his form has fluctuated, highlighted by a disappointing performance in his recent match against India A, where he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and scored just 16 runs in the second.
As discussions around Konstas's potential inclusion in the Test team continue, the consensus among veteran figures like D’Costa is clear: patience is key to nurturing young talent, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigors of international cricket before making the leap.
