Former Australian cricketer David Warner has advised young batter Sam Konstas to remain grounded amid the sudden attention he has received due to his recent run-scoring form. Warner and Konstas are set to play together for Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), which is scheduled to begin on December 14.

Warner also spoke about the team’s combination and hinted at the possibility of batting in the middle order to accommodate a left-handed option lower down the line-up. He explained that this discussion is more from a tactical point of view and depends on match-ups within the squad.

Speaking further about Konstas, Warner expressed confidence that the experienced players in the Thunder camp will help the youngster handle the pressure that comes with sudden fame and expectations.

Warner Stresses Support and Natural Game for Konstas

“That's more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don't have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we've been looking for. It's a conversation we're having. The best form of currency is runs and he's [Sam Konstas] doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed,” stated Warner, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

See Also: Vaibhav Suryavanshi reacts after surpassing Virat Kohli as most-searched Indian in 2025

The former Australia opener also highlighted the importance of allowing Konstas to play his natural game without adding unnecessary pressure. He said that while young players often receive a lot of advice early in their careers, it is important for them to stay true to their own style. “You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster, you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you. You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it's about protecting him and making sure he's enjoying the game,” he added.

As for Warner’s own role, he has rarely batted in the middle order in T20 cricket, having opened in 382 of the 423 T20 innings he has played. The 2025–26 season will be Warner’s fourth campaign with Sydney Thunder in the BBL. He enjoyed his best season with the franchise last year, scoring 405 runs in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 141.6.

Under the pink-ball glow at Manuka Oval, 20-year-old Sam Konstas delivered one of the funniest moments of the Australian summer. The New South Wales opener- handed the ball for the very first time in professional cricket during the Prime Minister’s XI warm-up match against England, sent down a waist-high full toss with his debut delivery. England opener Emilio Gay wasted no invitation, swatting it to the boundary as teammate Doug Warren attempted a desperate, sliding stop that only added to the comedy.

Konstas, who earlier crafted a steady 36 off 53 balls, hadn’t bowled since his junior days as a leg-spinner. Now a top-order dasher with only part-time off-spin in his locker, his sudden introduction with the ball was unexpected, and the outcome even more so. The clip, posted by cricket.com.au, quickly went viral, drawing over 170k views and a mix of sympathy and playful mockery online. As one commentator joked, “That’s one way to announce yourself!”

watch the video:

Sam Konstas' first ball in professional cricket went as you'd expect 🫣 #PMXIvENG pic.twitter.com/kdQRwDWxOG

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 30, 2025

ALSO SEE: Team India star smashes 16 sixes, whips up 32-ball century in PUN vs BEN SMAT 2025-26 clash

From Sheffield Shield prodigy to bowling blooper, Konstas delivers a moment to remember

Despite the mishap, Konstas is no stranger to pressure. Born in Kogarah and mentored by Shane Watson, he has risen rapidly over the past 18 months. In October 2024, he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score twin Sheffield Shield centuries, before blasting 107 off 97 balls against India in last year’s PM’s XI. His fearless Test debut on Boxing Day 2024 - 60 off 52 against Jasprit Bumrah, cemented him as one of Australia’s brightest batting prospects.

The two-day fixture, England’s lone tune-up before the Gabba Test, saw the PM’s XI declare at 308-8, thanks to Campbell Kellaway’s 82, Nathan McSweeney’s 63, and Ollie Peake’s 54. England closed the day on 30-0, trailing by 278.

For Konstas, the over that went for 10 runs will likely remain nothing more than a light-hearted footnote. Australia’s selectors still view him as a long-term attacking option at the top, proof that in cricket, even a comical first ball doesn’t derail a rising career. After all, every great story starts with a wobble.

The left-handed opening batter of the Indian side, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has looked back at the verbal exchange with Australia’s opener, Sam Konstas, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 down under. The 23-year-old recalled that Konstas was consistently giving a barrage of words at him and looked to take on Nathan Lyon in the middle to release his anger.

Jaiswal also called Konstas weird, besides reckoning that he was scared while fielding at the silly point region in the ground. During a recent interaction on Mashable India’s ‘On The Bombay Journey’ show, Jaiswal revealed that Rohit Sharma, then Test captain, scolded him during that period.

See Also: [WATCH] Hardik Pandya takes jaw-dropping one-handed catch against Oman in Asia Cup 2025

“When I was batting, he was giving it to me. He’s a bit weird. When I was batting, he was forcefully saying things to me. I got a bit angry and said, “Okay.” Nathan Lyon bowled a ball, and I gave it a whack. Actually, I hit him on purpose that day. Later, I was fielding at silly point and Steve Smith was lifting his bat, and I said, “Baap re.” It was a really flat wicket. That time, Rohit Sharma gave me some bamboo.” Jaiswal expressed during the fifth and final Test at Sydney.

Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on Rohit Sharma’s influence in his career

The 23-year-old, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has overall smashed 2209 runs in 46 innings of the red-ball format at an average of 50.20 and a strike rate of 66.21 with the help of six centuries and 12 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 214 runs. In 82 FC innings, he has accumulated 4301 runs at an average of 55.85 with 15 centuries and 16 fifties at the best score of 265.

Yashasvi Jaiswal on his viral video with Rohit Sharma - "Me and Sam Konstans had a verbal fight after which Rohit bhaiya scolded me but it was just to teach me. His words inspire me and I really enjoy playing with him." pic.twitter.com/FHsgVqAoQH

— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) September 19, 2025

“Rohit bhai is at a different level. It is great fun being around him. With him, even when he says something, we learn a lot from his words, but we know he’s saying things for our own good. His words inspire me a lot.” Jaiswal addressed during the interaction.

“But for a few things, it feels really funny. Rishabh (Pant) was also laughing. It was a great incident. Whenever we sit together and that video gets played, everyone starts to smile.” The southpaw concluded.

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.