Australian cricket is buzzing with excitement as 19-year-old sensational batsman Sam Konstas has emerged as a serious contender for Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test squad. Konsta’s explosive century against India in the pink-ball warm-up match at Manuka Oval showed his immense potential amid the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With his stunning century for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI against India, the young Australian batsman has cemented his place as a rising star. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne’s struggles continue, with a woeful Test average of 25 this year and an underwhelming performance in the Perth Test.
Sam Konstas threatens Marnus Labuschagne’s Test place after a stunning century against India
As critics question Marnus’ poor form, Sam Konstas’ impressive form hints at his Australian debut soon. With the debate on position No. 3 to warm up, former Australian pacer Damien Fleming said Konstas is ready to take Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test lineup.
Also Read: Josh Hazlewood Quit Due To Australia Dressing Room Revelation? reveals Alex Carey
Ahead of the Day-Night Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6, Fleming highlighted Konstas’ impressive knock for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI against India, saying how it had greatly boosted the young batsman’s chances of a test debut.
The former Australian pacer believes it is only a matter of time before Konstas earns a place in the Test squad, depending on the performances of the other batsmen in the ongoing five-match Test series against India at home. However, if a key player like Marnus Labuschagne continues to struggle, Konstas could step in sooner than expected, according to Fleming.
I can see Konsta coming straight in for the Maruns in Australia’s XI: Fleming
Damien Fleming told SEN: “What I like about what Sam did yesterday was that he enhanced his reputation and that’s all you can do. That was great of him. He will play. it’s just a matter of when, whether it’s this summer or not. My feeling was that one Aussie fan and commentator is that he is not playing this summer because everyone else is scoring a lot of runs. But a failure for someone like Marnus means I can see Konstas coming straight for him.”
It is worth noting that Marnus Labuschagne’s place in Australia’s Test squad remains safe until the Day-Night Test as the hosts retained their line-up for the second Test against India in Adelaide. However, a poor performance in the Adelaide Test could prompt changes as Australia aim to cement their place in the World Test Championship final.
Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney are currently opening for Australia, while Marnus is at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4, with the latter struggling for runs. However, Smith may be given a longer rope due to his stature, but another poor outing would see Marnus out of the team.
Australia’s squad for the second Test against India:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney.
