Sam Konstas has enhanced his chances for another Test recall with a big century for NSW, with Greg Chappell declaring it was inevitable the young star would bounce back.
Konstas reached 173 for NSW on Friday, as South Australia went to stumps at 2-50 in pursuit of their fourth-innings Sheffield Shield target of 290 against the Blues at Sydney’s Cricket Central.
Selectors will name their squad for the first Test against New Zealand late next week, with Konstas in the frame after three triple-figure scores for the Blues this summer.
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“I always felt he (Konstas) would bounce back, because he is a talented player,” former Test captain and selector Chappell told reporters on Friday.
“I have always thought Sammy was a good player and I think Sammy believes he can be a good player … and that’s half the battle.
“The fact he’s had a bit of a look, and knows what’s coming, knows where he’s got to get to … I think it’s great to see him bouncing back.”
Konstas scored 163 runs at 16.3 in his first stint as a Test opener, but selectors are firm of the opinion that he is now benefiting from his time in the Australian team.
The 21-year-old is now the leading run-scorer in the Shield this summer, with 426 runs at an average of 85.20.
And with Marnus Labuschagne already dropped for next month’s first Test against the Black Caps, the door is open for a recall.
Sam Konstas has his sights set on a Test recall after a big Shield century for NSW against SA. Credit: AAPBe the first to know: Add 7NEWS as your preferred news source on Google
It wasn’t always pretty for Konstas this week, riding his luck to his highest first-class score, in front of selector Tony Dodemaide.
Konstas was caught at deep square leg off a Wes Agar no-ball when on 14 and dropped on 69 by Jason Sangha at first slip.
He also survived a close caught-behind appeal on Friday morning, but still drove well and hit spinner Ben Manenti (3-72) for two fours down the ground.
Another two boundaries came on the hook and pull off Agar and Noah McFadyen (3-71).
Dumped by national selectors last July, Konstas has scores of 71, 151 not out, 5, 2, 24 and 173 this Shield this season, plus a 149 for in a 50-over match for NSW.
Konstas had good support as the Blues reached 410 in their second dig, with Kurtis Patterson (43), Ryan Hicks (34), Nic Maddinson (31) and Lachlan Shaw (48) all getting starts.
Henry Thornton took 4-74 for South Australia, before bad light stopped play with wet weather also threatening the final day.
Dodemaide had been in Brisbane earlier this week for Jack Clayton’s half-century against Tasmania, with the Queenslander another man Chappell could see playing for Australia this summer.
“There’s no reason why not, particularly if he keeps making runs,” Chappell said.
“Obviously the selectors just want to see some people knocking the door down.”
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