Ricky Ponting Questions Sam Konstas Viability as Test Opener with Current Form

Australian legend and commentator Ricky Ponting has expressed concerns about the future of young cricketer Sam Konstas as a Test opener, following his performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Konstas, a 19-year-old talent, impressed many with a quick-fire 60 off 65 balls in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, featuring six fours and two sixes.

Despite this, Ponting believes Konstas’ aggressive style may not be sustainable in the long run at the Test level. Ponting pointed out that while Konstas has the potential to learn from his early experiences, he will need to adapt his game to succeed as a consistent opener. He said:

I don’t think he can survive as a Test opening batsman playing like that all the time. So he will learn a lot from the first couple of games that he played as a batsman, but just as an international sportsman as well, I think he’ll learn a lot. It’s a big stage, and he really enjoyed it at the MCG. I’ve seen this happen a lot with young players. They come in, they get overawed by everything a little bit, and it takes them a few games or a few series just to actually work out who they are and who they need to be successful international players.

Ponting acknowledged that young players often struggle when they first enter the international stage, experiencing challenges in adjusting to the demands of Test cricket. Konstas finished the series with 113 runs at an average of 28.25. He will have another chance to prove himself in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with Australia’s squad led by Steven Smith, as regular captain Pat Cummins takes a break.