New Delhi: Australia have sent young batting sensation Sam Konstas back home ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on February 6 at the Galle International Stadium. The young opener is set to leave Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka to play in New South Wales’ next Sheffield Shield game against Queensland at the Gabba.
According to reports in Australian media, Konstas was sent back after it became clear that the Australian team management would not consider the 19-year-old batter for selection in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Konstas stole the limelight during India’s tour of Australia for playing unorthodox shots against Jasprit Bumrah in his debut Test in Melbourne last December. He reportedly returned to the hotel after Australia’s training session on Tuesday to pack his bags for his flight back home.
As per a report in Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors “have chosen to send Konstas home early so he can play” in the first round of Shield games. The selectors want Kontas to gain valuable experience as he has never played a first-class match in Brisbane before.
Konstas is hoping that he returns home in time ahead of the NSW vs Queensland clash on Saturday.
It is understood that the conditions in Sri Lanka and the promotion of Travis Head as an opener didn’t merit the selection of Konstas. He did not feature in the series opener which Australia won by an innings and 242 runs.
Head to return to middle-order ahead of WTC 2023-25 final vs South Africa
Meanwhile, Head told reporters on Tuesday that he will go back to the middle-order before the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa later this year which will give Konstas another opportunity to impress on the opening slot.
The second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia starts on Thursday, February 6.
Australian cricket management made the selection choice ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on February 6 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
