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Important SN update for SouthlandD-grade: Konstas exposed in another Aussie top order collapse
SEN • June 27th, 2025 10:22 am
Admittedly he is only in his sixth Test innings but Australian teen Sam Konstas looked out of his depth on Day 2 against the West Indies in another top order disaster.
Dropped twice in three balls, Konstas was fortunate to stay out as long as he did, with stalwart Usman Khawaja at one stage trying to calm his teammate's nerves.
His innings lasted just 38 balls from which he claimed a lowly five runs. It leaves his career average at 20.16.
Konstas is not the only concern for Australia and their collective performance will reignite the post-World Test Championship debate about what the best starting XI is and who should be opening after Marnus Labuschagne was dropped post Lord’s defeat.
Khawaja and Cam Green managed 15 runs apiece while Josh Inglis was bowled for 12 when leaving a ball from Jayden Seales.
Travis Head and Beau Webster were both not out for a partnership of 32 for Australia to go in 4-92 at stumps.
Struggling to find much to be positive about, former Australian Test cricketer Bryce McGain told SEN Cricket’s The New Ball: “It’s a D (grade for performance).
“They haven’t failed but 3-22 in the first innings and 4-65 in the second. They have really struggled (at the top).
“Konstas was the hard watch. He was dropped twice in the second innings. First time was at the eighth ball he faced, then it was a grind.
“Usman has said something like ‘just be here’. It’s not that he’s not up to the level but for me it’s a not yet.
“There's not an enormous body of work behind them at first-class level. It’s a hard watch.
“This has not gone as they (selectors) will have anticipated.”
While much of the focus will be on the repeated collapse of the Australian top order, McGain heaped significant praise on the performance of the West Indies.
"The West Indies have been outstanding," he said. "Their bowling has been superb. Their ability to swing the ball at pace has been outstanding."
The First Test continues at midnight on Friday and SEN will be live streaming every ball.
