Former Test opener Chris Rogers has expressed concern about Sam Konstas’ aggressive batting style, questioning if it suits him as an opening batsman. Konstas gained attention after an aggressive performance, including a reverse-scoop and a slog-sweep against Scott Boland in a Sheffield Shield match, but was dismissed early for 10 runs. Since December, his game has evolved, swinging from a more traditional style to a riskier approach, reflected in a higher strike-rate but lower average. Rogers believes Konstas needs to find a balance, highlighting his talent and potential in first-class cricket as he continues to refine his style.
During his seven-ball stint, he executed a reverse scoop for four off Boland’s second delivery and hit another boundary by charging down the wicket, ultimately getting out for 10. This performance raised immediate questions about Konstas’ long-term role at the top of the order and his chances of reclaiming a place for the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
In response, Konstas took 30 balls in NSW’s second innings before hitting an attacking shot, eventually being caught for 17 as the Blues secured victory.
“As an opening batter, you likely want to maintain consistency in your approach,” said Rogers, who has played 25 Tests for Australia and is currently Victoria’s coach. “I appreciate the moments when he puts pressure back on the bowlers and attempts to change the game.
“However, it’s crucial for him to determine the calculated risks he wishes to take. Having only played 15 first-class games, he is on a path of understanding his style and managing the pressures of first-class cricket more effectively.”
Those close to Konstas assert that he hasn’t changed since his impressive debut on Boxing Day, where he reverse-scooped Jasprit Bumrah and struck a rapid 60. However, it’s apparent that the 19-year-old’s game has shifted notably in recent months.
When Konstas became the youngest player to score twin centuries in a Shield match in October, he didn’t employ scoops and left or defended nearly half of the deliveries he faced.
Prior to that performance, Konstas maintained a strike rate of 50.72 in first-class cricket, hitting a boundary every 17 balls and averaging 39.37. Post that innings, his strike rate has increased to 72 in both red and pink-ball cricket, achieving a boundary every 11 balls and averaging 36. Additionally, his percentage of runs from boundaries rose from 24 to 39.
“It’s intriguing because a few of the boys around him mentioned that he doesn’t necessarily want to play that way,” noted Rogers. “I wonder if he simply gets engrossed in the contest, leading to decisions made on impulse. His future is bright; he’s immensely talented. Even in the second innings, he appeared confident.”
Boland, who finished with 10 wickets in the match, expressed his surprise at Konstas’ early aggression in Sydney.
“We believed that with the wicket offering some movement, if we bowled consistently in the right areas, we had a good chance of taking his wicket with that approach,” Boland explained. “It’s entirely up to him how he chooses to bat. Prior to Christmas, we witnessed how he performed against South Australia and others when he scored heavily.
“He possesses the capability to adopt both aggressive and traditional methods in four-day cricket.”