Leg and Off: Should Australia summon Sam Konstas to their BGT 2024-25 squad?
Australia's prodigy project Sam Konstas had a wry smile on his face after finding deep square leg to perfection, ending his stellar 107-run knock in the rain-curtailed pink-ball warm-up clash against India. The sheer thrill of scoring a sublime hundred might have been behind the smile, but also the fact that he has banged on the selectors' door with a closed fist.
Konstas, recently ignored as David Warner's successor, has made the most of his outing for the Prime Minister's XI. His imperious display has come at the right time too, with the Australian batting unit still licking their wounds after the Perth debacle, and fighting allegations aimed at their age, form, and worse of all, complacency.
The 19-year-old was spared the headache of facing Jasprit Bumrah with the pink ball, but that did not make his task easier. He still had an in-form Indian bowling attack to deal with, who might not have bowled with the same intensity as that of a Test match, but it was still a challenge nonetheless.
The fact that the match had an air of limited overs fixture arguably helped Konstas' cause. He was able to showcase his ability as a stroke player, and toy with the bowlers.
A couple of ramp shots, completely alien in a setup that included white gear and a pink ball, might be the majority's takeaway from the innings. However, what really stood out was the manner in which he was able to switch gears and generate momentum, something that Australia have preached, but have failed to execute in recent times.
On that note, let us take a look at whether Konstas' recent display is enough to trigger hype and fast-track, or will it be a knee-jerk reaction instead?
#1 If you are good enough, you are old enough
The number one agenda that will be out against Konstas, would be his 'age' and 'lack of experience'. Konstas turned 19 years old a couple of months back, and made his first-class debut a year ago. He has played 10 matches for the New South Wales so far, and Australia A, recording 630 runs at an average of 39.37.
At a time of crisis, Australia do not have the luxury of sidelining a player, just because they think he might not be ready to play at the highest level yet. Their say in the matter deteriorated when they did not choose to blood a new opening batter, and are now facing choices that could equally backfire.
Furthermore, until now, there were doubts over Konstas because he had not faced any elite bowling units. The last time he faced something close to a well-honed bowling attack as compared to Sheffield Shield bowlers, was during the unofficial Test series against India.
During those two matches, he batted both as an opener and a middle-order batter. Against the new ball, he was particularly troubled by Mukesh Kumar, and was dismissed twice by the right-arm seamer.
#2 Nathan McSweeney's name is not set in stone
As much as Australia would wish for Nathan McSweeney to become their long-term opening batter, there are no assurances. The right-handed batter had a poor start to his international career, being on the receiving end of Jasprit Bumrah's hostile spells across both innings.
Judging him on the basis of that one performance would be extremely harsh, and he certainly deserves a longer rope, but the question is what is the right length?
Former Australian opener David Warner had urged the management to stick with McSweeney for two whole summers. That might prove to be a long time, and an unlikely scenario, if the newbie struggles, Konstas thrives, and Khawaja stays.
It would be overly critical to say McSweeney is on thin ice after only one appearance on a tricky Perth pitch so far to show, but Konstas has got considerably closer in the waiting line, breathing down his compatriot's neck.
#3 Throw him in the deep end, what's the worse that could happen?
It is clear that Konstas is one of Australia's biggest batting projects in their pipeline, and is destined for a Baggy Green. So, why not make that now? When the batting unit, particularly the top-order, is potentially at its lowest.
Another fact that is evident is that Konstas is absolutely the next in line, well ahead of Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris. If the selectors had any faith in the domestic stalwarts, they would have been called up by now, considering they are specialist openers, compared to Smith and McSweeney, who have been used since Warner's retirement.
A strong, convincing display against a near-frontline Indian side against a pink ball is perhaps one of the biggest statements Konstas could have made to remind the selectors that he is the best Plan B out there.
There is still a long way to go in the Border-Gavaskar series, but another loss coupled with another failure by McSweeney or Labuschagne, would put the selectors under serious pressure. McSweeney at least has the luxury of a longer rope, but the same cannot be said for Labuschagne, who has had a horrible year.
A top three of Khawaja-Konstas-McSweeney also cannot be written off should the former No.1 ranked batter's woes continue. McSweeney has played No.3 for most of his first-class career, and assures solidity required of that position.
#4 Recency bias has clouded judgement in the past as well
On the flip side, Australia are far from a team known for hasty decisions. They had enough time to deliberate over the opening conundrum, and landed on McSweeney for a reason, and they would want to give their call another go.
There have been several instances where fast-tracking, as a gambling act, has wrecked a players' confidence, because the trigger was pulled early. Given that Kosntas is viewed in for the long haul, Australia might be cautious about how to handle his start, as it could set the template and tone for the rest of his career.
It is easy to be caught up in what Konstas just did, but to think that he would translate the very same in national colors, rightaway at least, would be undue pressure on the young shoulders.
Renshaw made his debut when he was Konstas' age when he was deemed as the next big thing, and so did Ashton Agar, and they both fizzled out after lacking consistency.
If the cracks widen in Adelaide, Australia might remain calm, but if the foundation creaks in Brisbane, then turning a blind eye may not be an option, and the time might come for something radical. Now that Konstas has played his card, it is time for McSweeney and Labsuchagne to respond.