Australia’s renowned batting coach Neil D’Costa has urged the Australian selectors not to rush 19-year-old batsman Sam Konstas into the team for the five-Test series against India, citing the example of India’s Prithvi Shaw. D’Costa believes that Konstas is not yet ready for the five-day format. The young batsman is among the contenders to open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the series against India. D’Costa, who has previously coached Michael Clarke and the late Phillip Hughes, has also worked with Konstas to develop his batting skills.
“Rushing could make him end up like Prithvi Shaw”
D’Costa told the Sydney Morning Herald, “He could play 100 Tests, but if he’s selected for the national team now, he might only play 10 Tests. He’s a player with great potential, but he should be allowed more time in domestic cricket.” He added, “Selecting him now would be ridiculous. We have the example of Prithvi Shaw. I could point out his weaknesses before he was selected for the team.” Shaw made his Test debut in 2018 and last played a Test in 2020. He hasn’t played an international match since July 2021.
Ponting names Warner’s replacement
Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have advocated for the selection of Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney as the opening batsman for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts on November 22 in Perth. With David Warner retiring earlier this year and Steve Smith returning to his preferred No. 4 spot, Australia is in search of an opener to partner Usman Khawaja. McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris are all contenders for the spot.
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“Nathan McSweeney is the only contender”
Ponting told the ‘ICC Review Show,’ “In my view, Nathan McSweeney, born in Queensland and now playing for South Australia, is the only candidate for this role. He’s performed well for Australia A.” Healy told SEN Radio, “I’m glad people have seen how well Nathan McSweeney can bat. I know him well, as he’s linked to my club. Australian selectors are aware of him too, given his recent strong performances for South Australia. Among the four contenders, he appears the most prepared.”
