Young Australian batting talent Sam Konstas has committed himself to the Sydney Thunder for the long term by signing a four-year contract extension that will see him in a Thunder shirt until the 2028–29 Big Bash League.

Konstas, 19 years old, has already been on a rollercoaster ride in international cricket. He averaged just 8.33 runs in three Test matches in the West Indies, but the young opener is set on bouncing back and being more consistent. To re-establish his rhythm and sharpen his focus, he has deleted Instagram from his phone to remove any distractions.

“I’m actually off Instagram now… It’s just not having that distraction. I am trying to give myself the best chance to perform at that level,” Konstas said. "I've had the support of all the senior players in the group, and in particular, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Mitchell Starc have been great in terms of support. Steve Smith has been good at sharing batting advice, and the way he shared with me how Pat Cummins reminded everyone about how important it was to balance and rest."

Konstas signs on with Thunder, from record debut to boyhood dream

Despite recent challenges, Konstas' talent and potential remain clear. He made an impact on his BBL debut last season when he slammed a 20-ball half-century, the quickest in Thunder history, which made him the competition's youngest to reach the milestone. Konstas was part of Australia's Under-19 World Cup-winning team and is viewed as a potential building block of the national team.

ALSO SEE: Ambati Rayudu picks top 3 T20 batters of all time

Konstas feels sentiment towards his contract as a Thunder supporter by nature. "I remember watching Davey Warner, Michael Hussey, and Andre Russell play for Thunder in the stands, so to now extend for another four years is very exciting to me," he said. "Batting with Davey last season was a massive, massive learning opportunity. Obviously, he’s very strategic, but he gave me clarity and freedom to just play my game. We've got an exciting group again this year, adding Shadab Khan. I feel like this is the year we’re going to dominate."

Trent Copeland, the General Manager of the Thunder, called the extension one of the easiest decisions of his career. "Sam continues to progress amazingly. From breaking records on debut to developing across formats, this deal showcases his growth, and we are excited to continue on this journey with him, as we believe he can be a Thunder player for life".

Before the home Ashes 2025/26, a few Australian players will get their chance to prove their selection during the two red-ball four-day games in Lucknow this September, as Sam Konstas aims to retain his opening spot this summer. He has been picked in the 14-man squad with other candidates, Nathan McSweeney and teenager Oliver Peake.

However, Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, and Kurtis Patterson, who featured in the recent A-series against Sri Lanka at home, were excluded. The other opening options with Test experience, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, were not included. These performances for the Australia-A are not expected to tinker with the Ashes 2025/26 selection, but it could prove vital for the next BGT 2027 trip in India.

See Also: Know Rohit Sharma's massive role in keeping Yashasvi Jaiswal with Mumbai

“The subcontinent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilize different skills with bat and ball. We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future sub-continent tours.” George Bailey, the chairman of the selectors, addressed.

Australia picks exciting squad for upcoming men’s Australia A tour of India

Cooper Connolly, the left-arm spinner, will get his valuable subcontinent experience. CA contracted pacers, Lance Morris and Xavier Barlett, were picked in the squad along with wicket-keeper, Josh Philippe. They will play in the four-day games in Lucknow only before returning to Australia for the first Shield round that begins on October 04.

“For many of these players, we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well, but balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season. This provides opportunities for Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Tanveer Sangha, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, and Callum Vidler, who will play the one-day matches in Kanpur.” Bailey shed light.

Jake Fraser-McGurk was included after losing his place in the national ODI squad and could get a chance to keep wickets. Captains are yet to be announced, with several options available.

Australia A squad for the four-day games

Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott

Australia A squad for one-day fixtures

Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler

Australia has made dramatic changes to their Test team for the forthcoming West Indies series, with two of their most seasoned batters missing the first match. Veteran Steve Smith has been sidelined for the opening Test with a finger injury, while Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped following a string of underwhelming performances. These changes come as Australia starts a new cycle of the World Test Championship and sets its sights on reshaping the central group of players.

With Smith out, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been brought in to replace him. Inglis, who made an impression with a century on his Test debut in Sri Lanka, will look to cement his place. In the meantime, the exclusion of Labuschagne follows a period of persistent decline in form, topped by poor performances in the World Test Championship Final. Rising star Sam Konstas, aged only 19, has been chosen as his replacement. Konstas only made headlines recently with a blistering 60 against India, admired for his attacking strokeplay and maturity.

Chief selector George Bailey clarified that the door remains open for Labuschagne, stating, “Marnus at his best can be a really important member of this team … we will continue working with him.” He also mentioned that Smith’s finger injury will be reassessed before the second Test in Grenada. The first Test is set to begin on June 25 in Barbados, followed by matches in Grenada and Trinidad.

Australia’s new Test phase begins in the Caribbean

With several experienced players sidelined, this series offers a fresh start for Australia as they transition towards a younger core. The addition of Konstas and Inglis is a move toward recognizing domestic form and looking toward challenges ahead, including the upcoming Ashes.

See Also: Sachin Tendulkar predicts India will win ENG vs IND Test series 3-1

This reshuffled squad brings both uncertainty and potential. Fans will certainly miss the services of stalwarts such as Smith and Labuschagne, but the West Indies tour is an opportunity for the next generation of players to come forward and leave their mark in the longest version of the game.

The Australian men's cricket team is still in search of a permanent batter who can take the opening slot permanently, like David Warner. When Warner was active in international cricket, Cricket Australia had to think much less about the opening position.

After his retirement, the position became a puzzle for the board, which is yet to be solved. There were multiple speculations regarding the opening pair of Pat Cummins' team. They have multiple players who can open. As it is about the summit clash for the World Test Championship title (WTC Final), the playing combination tends to be perfect.

So, the Australia team management opted to leave young Sam Konstas out of the equation, and they chose experienced Marnus Labuschagne to pair up with Usman Khawaja. Labuschagne offers stability, and Sam offers the X-factor. Cricket Australia ticked on the stability option.

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Cummins explained about their opening pair

During the pre-match press conference, the Aussie skipper explained the decision by saying, "It’s something the selectors are always weighing up. Realistically, he’s really young and has a long career ahead of him. So hopefully, even if he’s not playing, being in the squad is a learning opportunity."

Konstas was left out also during Australia's Test assignment against Sri Lanka. The promising batter's struggle to make a place in the playing combination continues.

AUS vs. SA Playing XIs for WTC 2025 Final:

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

The 19-year-old Sam Konstas made an electrifying start to his international cricket career. The world took cognizance of his gutsy batting abilities when he made a dream debut against India in front of a full-house MCG and bashed the likes of Bumrah, Siraj, and Akash Deep to announce his arrival on the big stage.

But his blossoming career may soon encounter an unexpected halt as the Australian think tank is mulling over altering their opening combination ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series. 

See also: "Virat Kohli was very.." Sam Konstas praises Virat Kohli

Travis Head likely to open for Australia in the Sri Lanka Test series

As per reports from Yahoo Sports, the Australian management is reportedly eyeing to push Travis Head up the order and make him open the batting on subcontinent tracks. In his earlier tour to the subcontinent, Head performed poorly while batting in the middle order and recorded only 23 runs in three innings at a dismal average of 7.67.  The management believes that the 31-year-old is best suited to open the batting and dominate the new ball attack.

During the 2023 BGT Test tour to India, Head and Renshaw formed the opening combination when Warner got injured. In three innings, Head amassed 235 runs at an impressive average of 47 whilst marinating a commendable strike rate of 69. One of the most famous innings that he played on that tour at the top of the order was his counter-attacking 90* which helped Australia triumph in the Indore Test.

So what the future holds for young Konstas?

After a rollicking start to his international career, Konstas certainly comes across as a reliable opener instead of an out-of-sorts McSweeney who was axed mid-way through the series. But a drastic change in conditions in Sri Lanka will prompt the management to reconsider their opening combination before the start of the tour. 

Besides, Usman Khawaja is also likely to play a key role in helping Konstas adapt during the transition process. The Pakistani-born opener's place is highly valued in the side and his prior experience in subcontinent conditions will surely help the young Konstas shape his cricketer career a long way.

The young 19-year-old Sam Konstas announced his arrival in international cricket with a blazing fifty in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne which shook the Indian bowling attack to its core. This Test will also be famously remembered for the in-famous shoulder barge incident that took place between Konstas and Kohli. 

In a show of defiance, the Indian batting legend altered his course while walking to the other end and deliberately bumped his shoulder with Konstas in the heat of the moment. Soon after, the incident drew widespread condemnation from the Australian supporters and Kohli was subsequently reprimanded by the match referee and fined 20% of his match fee along with one demerit point to his name.

See also: Watch: Kohli registers major milestone in BGT; Smashing six hits guard

Konstas visualises Kohli as his "idol"

Following the conclusion of the fourth Test, both Konstas and Kohli buried the hatchet. During his conversation with CODE Sports, the 19-year-old admitted that he sees Kohli as an idol and looks up to him as a source of inspiration. In return, Kohli also wished him well for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour which is scheduled to start later this month.

"Virat Kohli was very down to earth. A lovely person and I had a little chat after the game, telling him that I idolize him - wishing me all the best saying hopefully I go well on the tour of Sri Lanka he said if I’m in."

Konstas further adds that he is not the only one who is a big fan of Kohli. Being a living legend of the game, his entire family has been idolizing Kohli from a very young age. 

“My whole family loves Virat. I’ve idolized him from a young age and he’s a legend of the game.”   

Konstas's next assignment in international cricket

As the dust settles on the high-octane BGT Test series, Konstas will now participate in a few BBL games and play for Sydney Thunder under the leadership of David Warner before heading to the UAE for preparatory camp work. The 19-year-old justified his selection over an out-of-form McSweeney in that series and it is highly probable that we could see him feature in his first international assignment in the subcontinent against Sri Lanka from January 29 onwards.

Indian stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah had a verbal fight with the young Australian opener Sam Konstas in the final over of the first day of the Sydney Test. This new battle isn't going to end soon.

The thrilling Australia vs India five-match Test series, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has entered its final period. As Australia are leading the series by 2-1, it is a must-win game for India to save this Test series as well as to stay in contention to reach the ICC World Test Championship Final for the third straight time.

India were all out for 185 runs

Indian stand-in Test captain Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first in the tough overcast condition. The visiting batters once again failed to impress as they were all out for only 185 runs. Apart from Rishabh Pant, who scored the highest runs in the innings with 40 off 98 balls, Shubman Gill (20), Ravindra Jadeja (26), and the skipper Bumrah (22) reached the 20-run mark in the innings.

Watch: Rishabh Pant takes hit on body to save Indian team in Sydney Test

Last over drama in a tricky period

Australia batted three overs of the day, which is always known as a tricky period for any batting side. The hosts had to bat for about 15 minutes of the day as Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas started the innings. While Indian cricketers were busy delivering more balls in the tricky period, Khawaja's finger injury was delaying their plan. The left-handed batter took a little more time before the fifth ball of the third over of the innings, which ensured that the hosts wouldn't have to play another over of the day.

The delay frustrated the Indian fast bowler Bumrah. Moreover, young Konstas got involved and triggered a verbal fight with the Indian stand-in captain. The bowling end umpire Sharfuddoula intervened in the situation quickly. 

While Bumrah delivered the final ball of the day, Khawaja had an outside edge that traveled to the second slip and KL Rahul took a sharp catch to dismiss the Aussie opener. After that dismissal, while the home openers were returning to the pavilion, most of the Indian fielders charged Konstas with the celebration, while Bumrah also did it instead of celebrating the wicket. Australia ended the opening day of the Sydney Test at 9/1. Khawaja lost his wicket for only two runs.

A heated argument between Sam Konstas and Jasprit Bumrah. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/0exzEvDV6s

— 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐥 (@tomuchfun111) January 3, 2025

Fiery scenes in the final over at the SCG!

How's that for a finish to Day One 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/BAAjrFKvnQ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2025

The second day of the Test match is going to be crucial for both teams regarding the Test series status. 

Beau Webster Set to Step in for Mitchell Marsh in the 5th Test Against India

Starting January 3, 2025, the Sydney Cricket Ground is going to be extremely busy because Australia is getting ready to face off against India in the fifth and vitally key test. The team is bringing in a new man, Beau Webster, for his first test game ever, and he's taking over for Mitchell Marsh. This change is very big news.

Since Australia is ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with a 2-1 lead, they're excited and ready to snatch their first series win in India in more than ten years.

“Beau’s story is a great one of resilience… I think he’ll have the backing of an entire state over the next five days”

Terrific to chat with some of those closest to Beau Webster ahead of his Test debut tomorrow.@TheMercurySport

STORY ➡️ https://t.co/l0QcRp9yPT pic.twitter.com/yflVqciAal

— Ryan Rosendale (@RosendaleRyan) January 2, 2025

Why Mitchell Marsh Is Out

The selectors saw that Mitchell Marsh wasn't doing too well in the series, only scoring 73 runs and not doing much with his bowling. They think this is a good opportunity for Beau Webster to step in and display his abilities at the international level.

Pat Cummins, our captain, said Mitch Marsh is still vitally important for the team, especially when we are discussing the short games but he also mentioned that adding Webster to the team will make things better. And he made sure everyone knew this is not farewell for Marsh in test cricket at all.

ALSO READ:Pat Cummins Reveals Australia’s Strategy to Tackle Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney Test

Spotlight on Beau Webster

Beau Jacob Webster has been making waves in domestic cricket, which earned him this debut. His versatility is a huge asset, as he bats right-handed and can bowl both off-spin and medium pace.

Domestic Career Highlights

Webster achieved it in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season, making him the second individual ever to hit more than 900 runs and take 30 wickets in just one season. Playing for Tasmania in the local games, he's also been doing really good for the Melbourne Stars in the Bash league.

First-Class Career Stats

Matches: 93

Runs Scored: 5,297

Batting Average: 37.83

Centuries/Half-Centuries: 12/24

Wickets Taken: 148

Bowling Average: 37.39

Best Bowling Figures: 6/100

Webster's all-around skills and impressive form make him a perfect fit for this high-pressure match against India.

Australia's Squad for the 5th Test

Most of the squad remains unchanged, with Webster being the only newcomer. The confirmed playing XI is:

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

A Memorable New Year's Celebration: Indian and Australian Cricket Teams Attend Prime Minister's Party

As the cricketing world gears up for the final game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Friday, the Indian and Australian teams took a brief respite from the action to attend a grand New Year's party hosted by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Held at the picturesque Kirribilli House in Sydney on Wednesday, the celebration lasted for about 90 minutes, blending cricket, camaraderie, and humor.

At the event, Albanese showed up with his fiancée Jodie Haydon and had some fun by telling funny stories. He really couldn't help making jokes about Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowler who's been a strikingly large problem for the Aussie hitters, getting 30 wickets already in the series. Albanese is known to have a pretty sharp sense of humor, and he made sure to share a cheerful moment with the players while he was there.

The crowd thought it was very amusing when the Prime Minister joked that Bumrah was so proficient at cricket, that they may potentially have to make him bowl with his left hand, or only let him take one step before he threw. Everyone really enjoyed the enjoyable event the prime minister brought.

ALSO READ:Ex-India Coach Shastri Pushes for Two-Tier Test Format After MCG Classic

Sam Konstas' Big Moment

At the party, Sam Konstas had a great tim

The Australian and Indian teams have already given us an incredible summer of cricket. pic.twitter.com/oqVDOOr5Bm

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 1, 2025

e when he was able to snap a photo with Virat Kohli, his cricket idol. Everyone knows about Konstas lately because he's been performing well in Australian cricket, especially after scoring a century in the Prime Minister's XI game, and another marvelous 60 runs at the MCG. This was very important for him since there was a nervous moment between him and the legendary Kohli before.

Konstas is a bright light that everyone at the party was noticing.

During the series, there was an incident on the field between them, and because of it, Kohli got his match fee cut by 20% and also obtained a demerit point but it looks like all their hard feelings were gone at the party. Konstas' parents were even able to have a photo taken with Bumrah, which was wonderful, owing to it showed everyone was just there to enjoy themselves and celebrate the event.

Words of Wisdom from Team Leaders

Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, took over for Rohit Sharma and spoke to everyone. First thing, he tipped his hat to Australia for playing so well and making things tough. Even though he didn't say much about how the series might end up, he was focused on India trying very hard to make sure the last test is really fun. Gambhir knows it's not easy playing in Australia, and he said as much.

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, is extremely excited after the Melbourne Test match. Cummins thinks it was probably the most intense and dramatic game he's ever played, taking an entire five days full of struggle. Since Australia is leading the series 2-1, Cummins is eager to win the last match and keep the series trophy.

Jasprit Bumrah showed why he is one of the best bowlers in the world when he dismissed young Australian batter Sam Konstas early in the second innings of the fourth Test in Melbourne. Konstas, who dominated India in the first innings with a fearless 61 off 65 balls, couldn’t repeat his performance.

Opening with Usman Khawaja, Konstas struggled against Bumrah and his bowling partner Akash Deep. Bumrah's sharp in-cutter on the third ball of the seventh over ended Konstas’s innings. The ball, bowled at 139.7 km/h, moved in sharply from a good length, sneaked through the gap between Konstas’s bat and pad, and clipped the top of the off-stump. Bumrah celebrated the wicket by encouraging the crowd to cheer, mimicking Konstas's actions from Day 3 when the young batter rallied the crowd after dismissing Virat Kohli.

Top delivery, top celebration! 🤌

Thank you Jassi Bhai for this absolute cinema! 😁#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 4 | LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/z4JbYOWy0j

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 29, 2024

The crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, mostly supporting Australia, reacted with boos to Bumrah’s celebration. This moment showed the heated rivalry between the teams. Commentator Sunil Gavaskar humorously noted, “Fast bowlers have long memories,” pointing out Bumrah's reply to Konstas's earlier antics.

Read Also:Watch Pat Cummins Reject 3rd Umpire’s Decision; Gilchrist and Shastri React

Social Media Takes the Fun Route

Social media also reacted quickly, with fans praising Bumrah for his brilliant delivery and cheeky celebration. Many remembered how Konstas had mocked Bumrah earlier in the match. In the first innings, Konstas had confidently played aggressive shots, including a ramp six against Bumrah. That moment put pressure on the Indian bowler, but Bumrah’s dismissal of Konstas in the second innings proved his class and ability to bounce back.

Fans on Twitter joked about Bumrah's payback. Some called it a perfect example of how cricket often has “second chances,” while others enjoyed the drama between the two players. Memes, jokes, and creative edits flooded the platforms, making this exchange one of the highlights of the match.

pic.twitter.com/SgbOlxFU3y

— DJ Sinha (@sdj374531) December 29, 2024

in that moment, bumrah just proved why is he the best in the world not that he needed to and the way he celebrated tells you the emotion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FIIyDjWkms

— p 💌 (@ssnoozefest) December 29, 2024

Jasprit Bumrah: The silent assassin with a deadly yorker.#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/liIi2mByuz

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) December 29, 2024

Hey Sam Konstas, MCG crowd, West Australia and your illegitimate kids in Pakistan, Bangladesh and few in India,

Jasprit Bumrah reminded you that: pic.twitter.com/LdNN90qDNY

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 29, 2024

What’s the Story Behind the Celebration?

Bumrah’s celebration wasn’t just about taking the wicket; it was a direct response to Konstas’s earlier antics. On Day 3, after dismissing Virat Kohli, Konstas had rallied the crowd with a pumped-up gesture, mocking Bumrah and energizing the Australian fans.

Bumrah’s reply in the second innings, with the same gesture, showed that he doesn’t forget such moments easily. His celebration was not only a statement of dominance but also a reminder of the emotional highs and lows that cricket brings.

The Test match saw several highlights, including Nitish Kumar Reddy’s incredible century. Reddy, batting at number eight, scored 114 runs, helping India reach 369 in their first innings. His knock received a standing ovation from the crowd and praise from cricket legends.

As the Test continues, the India-Australia rivalry remains as intense as ever. While Konstas had his moment in the spotlight, Bumrah’s performance reminded everyone why he’s such a feared bowler.