Image: Steve Harmison shared his mixed feelings about Sam Konstas’ place in the Test side / © Cricxtasy
Australia has included Sam Konstas in their 16-member squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. Although he wasn’t tested against spin during the Border Gavaskar Trophy, he will face Sri Lanka’s spinners on spin-friendly pitches. Nathan McSweeney, who Konstas replaced in the lineup, is also part of the squad.
Sam Konstas may not have lived up to expectations after his impressive 65-ball knock in Melbourne, but his performance has sparked many discussions about his future in the Australian team. Former English pacer Steve Harmison recently shared his mixed feelings about the young cricketer’s place in the Test side. He said:
Part of me thinks Sam Konstas won’t play even 10 Test matches. Part of me thinks this kid can be an absolute superstar if he delivers. He’s got the chat, he’s got the ramps, he’s got the scoops, he’s got the big shots, but has he got a defensive technique to open the batting in Test match cricket against the world’s best?
Steve Harmison compared Sam Konstas’ playing style to that of retired Australian cricketer David Warner but mentioned that Konstas still has much work to do to reach Warner’s level of success. Harmison also joked that he would like to see Konstas open the innings against England in a challenging series like The Ashes.