Sam Konstas makes a century for Prime Minister’s XI against India

After failing during Australia A’s bat-offs earlier this summer, Sam Konstas has reminded Australia why he’s the next big thing, peeling off a ton for the PM’s XI against India in Canberra.

Sam Konstas’ ascension to international cricket looks a matter of when not if after the teen opener tamed India’s attack to post a century for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Sunday.

But in a worrying sign for Australia ahead of the second Test, Indian star Shubman Gill made a tidy half-century to prove his readiness for the pink-ball clash in Adelaide.

Gill - who missed the first Test with a fractured thumb - retired out on 50 as the Indians coasted to a six-wicket win after bowling Australia A out for 240.

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It wasn’t all positive for the tourists though. Batting at No. 4, returning Indian skipper Rohit Sharma missed out, edging paceman Charlie Anderson to Ollie Davies at first slip for an 11-ball three.

Set to return to the Aussie Test side with Josh Hazlewood injured, Scott Boland sent down 10 wicketless overs for 36.

Having been fast-tracked into the Australia A setup for two matches against India A, Konstas was beaten to the Test opening vacancy by Nathan McSweeney but issued a reminder of his quality at Manuka Oval.

With the two-day pink-ball match having been reduced to 46 overs per side after rain wiped out play on Saturday, Konstas thrived where others faltered, gliding to his hundred off 90 balls after the Indians elected to field.

Sam Konstas celebrates reaching his century in Canberra. Picture: AFP.

Though Jasprit Bumrah did not bowl, Konstas still had to counter a pace battery including Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana, all of whom have Test experience. Spinners Washington Sundar and Ravidnra Jadeja were also used.

Matt Renshaw (five) and Jayden Goodwin (four) fell cheaply before Konstas and Jack Clayton combined in a 109-run third-wicket stand.

Rana then ran amok, picking up four wickets in quick succession as the PM’s XI, coached by Tim Paine, lost 5-7.

Canberra’s Hanno Jacobs dug in with Konstas, putting on 67 for the eighth wicket before the 19-year-old finally fell for 107, miscuing an attempted pull off Deep.

Konstas’ innings comes on the back of Australia’s top order flopping dramatically during the first Test in Perth, with pressure mounting on No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne ahead of the Adelaide Test.

Originally published as Sam Konstas makes a century for Prime Minister’s XI against India