LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Sam Konstas' chances of being recalled to the Australian Test XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final appear to be fading, as selectors are reportedly set to promote Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
Konstas, just 19, made a notable debut with a half-century against India during the Boxing Day Test last year, notably facing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah.
However, after playing a key role in Australia's 3-1 series victory over India, he was dropped for the tour to Sri Lanka, with Travis Head taking over his opening position.
Selectors aimed for Konstas to gain more experience in the Sheffield Shield with New South Wales before the Ashes later this year.
Despite expectations for Konstas to return to the Australian XI for the WTC final, his performance in the Sheffield Shield raised concerns.
Critics noted his aggressive batting style and susceptibility to losing his wicket cheaply, with former Test captains Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, and Mark Taylor advising him to focus on building innings rather than playing audacious shots.
NSW coach Greg Shipperd confirmed these conversations, indicating a need for improvement.
Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald suggest Labuschagne will be chosen to open alongside Khawaja in the WTC final against South Africa, despite Labuschagne's recent lackluster form.
He averaged just 25.36 this past summer, following a disappointing series against India and Sri Lanka.
Additionally, his performance in the Sheffield Shield was similarly unimpressive, with scores of 23, 0, and 61 in three innings as Queensland struggled against South Australia.
Thus, while Konstas showed promise earlier, the selectors' decision favors Labuschagne, leaving Konstas' hopes for the WTC final hanging in the balance.