
Teenage Test opener Sam Konstas is returning to Sydney from his maiden Test tour in Sri Lanka after missing selection for the opening match and recovering from illness.
Konstas trained extensively at Galle Stadium on Tuesday before departing, gaining valuable experience despite not playing in the match.
Australia’s decision to reconfigure the batting order led to Travis Head opening alongside Usman Khawaja, with Josh Inglis debuting in the middle order and scoring a record-breaking century.
Konstas acknowledged the selectors’ decision, expressing gratitude for the chance to learn from seasoned players like Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja.
Australia’s coaching staff released Konstas to gain valuable first-class cricket experience at the Gabba in New South Wales’ upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland.
Despite missing this series, Konstas is expected to return to Australia’s top batting order for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
The coaching staff aims for him to play as much first-class cricket as possible before the final to hone his skills further.
During his time in Sri Lanka, Konstas faced left-arm throwdowns from assistant coach Daniel Vettori and practiced against seamers Scott Boland and Sean Abbott.
Konstas, known for his aggressive batting style against top bowlers like India’s Jasprit Bumrah, is being considered for an Australia A visit to India later this year.
Despite shaving off his iconic moustache during illness, Konstas is contemplating growing it back, fearing it may have affected his “aura.”