Sam Konstas | DD News

November 5, 2025 6:03 PM

Australia selector George Bailey defends age profile of Ashes squad after Waugh criticism

Australia's selectors chairman George Bailey defended sticking with the test side's veteran core for the Ashes on Wednesday following criticism from former captain Steve Waugh about the team's ageing profile. Waugh said on Tuesday that Bailey needed to make tough calls to regenerate the side and had failed to do so in the past, putting Australia's future at risk. "He's going to have to step up to the plate with the other selectors," Waugh had told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground. "The b...

November 5, 2025 6:04 PM

Sam Konstas dropped, uncapped Weatherald included in Australia’s Ashes squad

Young opener Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia's squad for the Ashes, opening the door for uncapped Jake Weatherald to make a test debut in the five-match series against England. Konstas, 20, misses out after a poor tour with the bat in the West Indies, while Weatherald has been included after topping the Sheffield Shieldruns list in 2024/25 and starting the new season with three half-centuries. Top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne was recalled in the 15-man squad after starting the d...

October 21, 2025 9:29 AM

Steve Smith says ‘door open’ if Konstas wants advice

Steve Smith has offered to mentor embattled teammate Sam Konstas as the young opener fights for runs and his place in Australia's Ashes plans. Despite flashes of talent, Konstas' domestic form -- marked by erratic shot choices and a lack of consistent runs -- has intensified debate over Australia's opening options before the five-test series against England starts in Perth on November 21. The New South Wales batter was bowled for 20 as he attempted to ramp Victoria paceman Cameron McClure in a...

September 17, 2025 1:15 PM

Australia’s Sam Konstas reignites Ashes hopes with ton in India

Australia opener Sam Konstas overcame "mental demons" in a counter-attacking century for Australia A in Lucknow as the 19-year-old boosted his case for retention in the test side for the Ashes. The 19-year-old made 109 off 144 balls against India A to help his side reach 337 for five at stumps. Konstas was glad to be back in the runs after a lean tour of the West Indies earlier this year. "I felt I had to face quite a few demons mentally, and I just had to get through that. Super stoked and h...

April 1, 2025 10:58 AM

Konstas, Kuhnemann earn Australia contracts

Teenage batting prodigy Sam Konstas has been added to Australia's list of contracted players in a huge vote of confidence for the two-test opener. The 19-year-old was named among 23 contracted players on Tuesday, three months on from making a memorable 60 in his international debut in the Melbourne test against India. Konstas was one of three players to earn their first national contracts, joining spinner Matt Kuhnemann and all-rounder Beau Webster. White-ball all-rounders Sean Abbott and Aar...