He’s ready: Konstas tipped to open for Aussies this summer

Former New South Wales coach Greg Shipperd has flagged Sam Konstas as a real option to open the batting for Australia this summer.

The 21-year-old posted scores of 71 and 151 not out in his first Sheffield Shield game this season against WA this week, following up his previous most recent score of 67 for Australia A against India A in an away One Day clash.

Konstas, who has played five Tests for Australia so far, stunningly made his debut aged just 19. Now having been forced to go back and work on his game at the domestic level, Shipperd, who coaches him last season at state-level, sees him as a far better international prospect.

“As far as Sam goes, well, what a unique story, he made some early season hundreds (in 2024) and ended up playing for Australia,” Shipperd said on SEN Mornings.

“He thinks on his feet; he took down (Jasprit) Bumrah and Australia won the Test match. He was so young in his game, he thought that that may be the recipe for the rest of his career.

“But you know, domestic cricket is better than that, bowlers are better than that, and strategy from other teams is better than that. They put the pressure back on him, so there was a realisation point where he needed to tidy and clean up his technique.

“In the last six games last year he was a little bit like Marnus (Labuschagne) if you like, getting lots of 30s, which means your beginning process is working well for you, but it's then how to shape that next phase of thinking as the game unfolds.

“He's restarted that process this year very well, so for me I'd have him flagged as Renshaw's opening partner in the New Zealand series for me as trying to find that next opening partnership, which is crucial to the stability of the Australian cricket team.

“But in South Africa now, if it was me, it would be Renshaw and Head at the top of the order, then Green, Smith, Inglis and Connolly. That’s probably my top six in that space (with Konstas at home).”

Alongside the likes of youngsters Ollie Peake (Victoria) and Cooper Connolly (WA), Shipperd thinks early investment in these youngsters could pay big dividends for the Aussies further down the line.

“I think he can (perform),” Shipperd said.

“He's a sharp young, young fellow, and he's been through the turmoil of that last season.

“He shifted that around quickly within the season, and he started off this season beautifully, played Australia A, did quite well in India.

“I think it's time for that next generation to start to show its face… if they're prepared to take risks on some of the choices… it could serve you well for the next 15 years.

“I think it's a risk worth taking.”

Konstas next appears for NSW when they meet Tasmania in Hobart on October 30.