Veteran NSW coach Greg Shipperd is urging teenage opener Sam Konstas to adopt a more consistent batting style as he prepares for a potential return to Australia’s Test team for the World Championship final against South Africa. Despite recent challenges, including being dismissed while attempting aggressive shots, Konstas is showing signs of improvement, adjusting his approach during recent matches. Shipperd is in contact with national selectors, emphasizing the need for Konstas to balance audacity with conventional techniques based on game context. This weekend’s match against Tasmania could be pivotal for Konstas as NSW vies for a spot in the Sheffield Shield final.
On Thursday, Shipperd expressed confidence in Konstas making his way back into Australia’s Test squad for the World Championship final against South Africa in June, after being left out of recent matches in Sri Lanka.
The opener’s batting will face a significant challenge against the pink ball this weekend in Hobart as he aims to guide NSW into the Sheffield Shield final.
Since his twin centuries for NSW in October, Konstas has been the standout performer of the summer, and his remarkable batting has sparked discussions for months. He became a national phenomenon during his Test debut on Boxing Day after unsettling Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm with creative reverse-scoops.
However, his strategy has come under intense scrutiny, especially after he was dismissed trying to slog-sweep Scott Boland in the third over of a Shield match last month. This incident raised doubts about his chances of reclaiming his place for the Test Championship final, especially with other contenders at Lord’s.
In response, the opener refrained from playing any aggressive shots in his first 30 balls during the second innings against Victoria, eventually scoring a 50 off 107 balls as NSW managed to secure a draw in Perth last week.
“I’m not convinced he intended that [aggressive strategy against Boland]; I think it just happened in that moment,” Shipperd remarked. “Through discussions and reassessing what a batting strategy entails, he’s made some modifications.
“To me, this indicates he is receptive and learning, which is crucial at this point in his career. He’s still figuring out the game.
“I’d be very surprised if the Australian selectors weren’t seriously considering him for that opening role [for the WTC final].
Shipperd mentioned that he has maintained frequent communication with Australia coach Andrew McDonald and selectors regarding Konstas’ progress. The 19-year-old displayed a much more traditional batting style early in the summer before becoming bolder from December onwards.
“It’s evident that there are instances where that methodology has worked well for him,” the NSW coach stated. “But overall, we’re encouraging him, as many experienced commentators are suggesting, to adopt a more consistent approach.
“This involves identifying the right moment in the innings and understanding what the team requires at that particular time.
“We are optimistic that he is learning with each match and is taking all these factors into consideration as each innings progresses.”
The upcoming match against Tasmania might be Konstas’ final opportunity before the Test Championship final if NSW is unable to qualify for the Shield showdown and he doesn’t secure a county deal in England.
With just one round remaining in the Shield, bonus points will likely dictate which teams between Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, or Victoria head to the final against South Australia.