Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
Australian rookie opener Sam Konstas is placing his trust in his inner circle as he braces up for a gruelling domestic season that could make or break his chances of making the squad for the 2025 Ashes.
Konstas endured a difficult tour of the West Indies. The 19-year-old mustered just 50 runs across six innings, which highlighted a few technical deficiencies in his game. However, the selectors are keen and confident on his long-term potential, which has helped Konstas put his disappointment aside and rather focus on the opportunities ahead.
Next up, Australia A will be touring India and Konstas is part of that squad. He will then return home for the Sheffield Shield matches in October. The batter understands the importance of the stretch, saying, “It’s massive, it’s going to be a big four games [of Sheffield Shield] and I expect that,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Sam Konstas with positive mindset ahead of buildup to Ashes
Konstas remains process-driven, determined not to let outside noise dictate his approach. He is also trusting a group of seasoned mentors to help him prepare better for the challenges resting ahead of him.
“But for me, [it’s about] just being in the present moment, don’t get too fixated about the outcome and just be very process-driven in those games. Not getting too fazed about what other people say, and obviously have that inner circle that I trust,” Konstas said.
“Adopting the right mindset, training hard, not leaving any regrets. For me, that’s the big thing, just the way I prepare, and especially with the people that I trust, having honest conversations with them when necessary and leaving it to that.”
The likes of Steve Smith and David Warner serve as a source of guidance to the openers, whereas New South Wales skipper Jack Edwards has lauded Konstas’ professionalism. “He doesn’t hold onto setbacks for too long… he’s been hitting a mountain of balls. Such a young man, but definitely going to have a long career for Australia,” Edwards noted.
Konstas turns 20 in October but has already shown maturity beyond his years. He admits that failures are inevitable in sport, but insists they serve as lessons.
“As an athlete, you’re going to go through failures and successes… build from those failures and become a better person and cricketer,” he said.
The teenager has played 20 First Class games, aggregating 1062 runs at an average and strike rate of 30.34 and 51.77 respectively. He has struck six half-centuries, two tons, and was infamously involved in heated exchanges with Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli when the Indian team toured and lost in Down Under in 2024-25.
