Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Australia missed a trick by not picking up the young Sam Konstas in the squad for the World Test Championship final and the Sri Lanka series.
Konstas, who had a promising start to his Test career at home against India, was overlooked for Australia’s overseas assignments in Sri Lanka and the WTC final in England.
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Travis Head, the explosive Australian batter, opened the innings for Australia alongside Usman Khawaja in Sri Lanka, while Marnus Labuschagne played in the same role in the WTC final.
What did Michael Clarke say about Sam Konstas?
Konstas had a horrific outing in his first overseas assignment with the senior team in the Caribbean. The young opener ended the series, averaging 8, and managed to cross the 20-run mark just once in six innings.
Talking about Konstas on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke noted that following his debut against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the youngster should've also been selected for the Sri Lankan Test tour.
"I feel Australia missed a chance by not picking Sam Konstas for Sri Lanka, because Australia lost to Sri Lanka on their last tour. They probably overestimated the opponent, thinking that the conditions are like playing India in India, when they are not,” Clarke said.
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"Sam definitely should have played that series. He could have had a Test hundred under his belt. And he definitely should have played the WTC Final in England -- gotten a look at those conditions and faced that South African attack," he added.
Why was Sam Konstas dropped after an impressive Test debut vs. India?
Konstas made headlines on his Test debut against India, impressing with a half-century and aggressive stroke play. He even boldly took on India's premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 18 runs off a single over, including several ramp shots.
A bit of audacity!
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 25, 2024
Smiles everywhere as the 19-year-old Sam Konstas attempted to ramp Jasprit Bumrah very early in his debut 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/9I9urUnmuq
Still, given his inexperience in foreign conditions, he was dropped from the side for the away series in Sri Lanka and the WTC final.
Australia’s top order faltered during the WTC final and the Sri Lanka series, and Clarke believes that had Konstas been given a run in Sri Lanka and England, he would have been better prepared for the challenges ahead.
"He would've gotten more Tests under his belt leading into the West Indies and then gets a chance of playing in the Ashes, but right now he hasn't gotten a good start for himself in the series against the West Indies, and do the selectors keep faith in him and pick him for the first Ashes Test? Hopefully, he goes back and plays some Shield Cricket," added the Australian great.
When is the Ashes 2025/26 starting? Full Schedule
The Ashes will take place on November 21, with Australia hosting the marquee event this year.
The 2025/26 Ashes Test series is a part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Here is the full schedule for the five-match series:
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AUS vs ENG 1st Test | Nov 21-25 | Perth Stadium |
| AUS vs ENG 2nd Test (D/N) | Dec 4-8 | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| AUS vs ENG 3rd Test | Dec 17-21 | Adelaide Oval |
| AUS vs ENG 4th Test | Dec 26-30 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| AUS vs ENG 5th Test | Jan 4-8 | Sydney Cricket Ground |