Sam Konstas has tweaked his approach after a string of bold shots led to low returns in the Sheffield Shield. NSW coach Greg Shipperd remains confident the young opener can reclaim his spot in Australia’s Test side.
What’s Next?
NSW face Tasmania in a crucial clash this weekend, where bonus points could decide who joins South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final. A win is essential for NSW to overtake Queensland for second place.
Veteran NSW coach Greg Shipperd has urged Sam Konstas to find a steadier rhythm at the crease, while praising the 19-year-old for showing promising signs of growth. Shipperd is backing Konstas to earn a recall to Australia’s Test team for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June, despite the teenager losing his place during the recent Sri Lanka tour.
Konstas will get another chance to prove himself under the Hobart lights this weekend, facing Tasmania with the pink ball as NSW fight to secure a Sheffield Shield final berth.
Since bursting onto the scene with twin centuries for NSW in October, Konstas’s flair-filled batting has dazzled onlookers but sparked debate. His aggressive style has delivered standout moments but also inconsistency, raising doubts about his readiness for the Test Championship final at Lord’s. In his brief two-Test career, Konstas averages 28.25, with a debut high of 60.
Last week, he answered critics with a patient 50 off 107 balls against Victoria in Perth, avoiding attacking shots for his first 30 deliveries to help NSW cling to a draw. “I don’t think he premeditated that [earlier aggression against Scott Boland], it just happened in the heat of the moment,” Shipperd said. “But after some reflection and chats about his batting blueprint, he’s made adjustments. That tells me he’s tuned in and learning—crucial for where he’s at in his career. He’s still piecing the game together.”
Shipperd added, “I’d be shocked if Australia’s selectors weren’t seriously eyeing him for that opening slot [in the WTC final].” The coach, who toured South Africa with rebel sides in the 1980s but never played a Test, has been in close touch with Australia coach Andrew McDonald and the selection panel about Konstas’s progress.
Early this summer, Konstas leaned on a more orthodox style before unleashing a bolder streak from December onward. “We’ve seen that approach pay off for him at times,” Shipperd noted. “But we’re nudging him—as are many seasoned voices—toward consistency. It’s about picking the right moments and reading what the team needs.”
With the Shield’s final round looming, this Tasmania clash might be Konstas’s last outing before the Test Championship final, unless NSW qualify for the decider or he picks up an English county stint. Bonus points will likely settle the finalists alongside South Australia, with Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, and Victoria all in contention. A victory over Tasmania could vault NSW into second and even tempt Steve Smith to join the Shield final lineup.
“We’re encouraged he’s growing with every game,” Shipperd said. “He’s weighing these lessons as each innings plays out.”
AAP
