Last Updated on 5 months by Charbel Coorey

Sam Konstas has achieved a special feat, becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in a Sheffield Shield match. The 19-year-old scored 152 and 105 for New South Wales (NSW) against South Australia at Cricket Central in Sydney.

Konstas came into the 2024/25 campaign having had a taste of First Class cricket last season. He made starts in his four matches, totalling 155 runs at a modest average of 25.83. This season, he has started with a bang, confirming his status as one of Australia’s brightest prospects.

NSW finished their second innings at 282/6d, leaving SA needing 389 for victory. Australia offspinner Nathan Lyon took an early wicket to leave SA 7/1 at stumps.

“Obviously very special,” Konstas said. “But hopefully we [NSW] get the job done tomorrow and keep doing our basics well.”

Sam Konstas third-youngest ever to hit two centuries in a Sheffield Shield game – youngest since Ponting

The great Ricky Ponting hit two centuries for Tasmania against Victoria in 1993. He struck 107 in the first innings and 100 in the second against a Victorian attack including the likes of Brendan Julian and Tom Moody.

Konstas, at 19 years and 8 days, is the third-youngest player to hit twin centuries in a single Shield match, behind Ponting and Archie Jackson. Sir Donald Bradman achieved the feat at 20 years of age.

Konstas was dropped by Alex Carey before getting off the mark on day three. However, his temperament thereon was commendable. He showed patience outside the offstump, and brought out that very impressive cover drive as well.

“They [SA] had different plans, they were bowling a wider line,” Konstas said. “I had to be a bit ruthless and cop my medicine a bit.”