NSW Premier Cricket: Sam Konstas blasts maiden first grade ton

When prodigy Sam Konstas raised his bat for Sutherland on Saturday, the schoolboy ticked another box on a growing list of records.

In the world of schoolboy batting sensation Sam Konstas, life moves fast, and last week was no exception.

In between juggling studies as he transitions to his final year at Cranbrook, the Sutherland right-hander struck his first century in the under-21 Poidevin Gray competition before backing up midweek to score another for NSW in an under-17 match at Blacktown.

Sam Konstas batting for NSW at the Cricket Australia Under 19 Male National Championships in Mackay, 2022. Picture: supplied by NSW Cricket.

Then on Saturday at Pratten Park, with Sutherland looking to set Wests a target, the former St George junior blasted his maiden first grade ton.

His third century inside seven days - a swashbuckling 112 runs off just 104 deliveries.

As he raised his bat at the tender age of 17 years and 49 days, Konstas became the 12th youngest to reach triple figures in Sydney first grade cricket – 96 years after former Test legend Archie Jackson set the record at 16 years and 133 days.

With four of those ahead of him on the list going on to play Test cricket, Konstas’ journey may just be at the tip of the iceberg.

“It was pretty special, I was seeing them very well,” Konstas said. “I was just trying to get the job done for the team.”

Sam Konstas of the Sharks reacts during round 5 of the NSW Premier Grade cricket match between Western Suburbs DCC and Sutherland DCC at Pratten Park on November 19, 2022 in Ashfield, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng / Daily Telegraph NewsLocal)

Having now recorded a century in all five grades of NSW Premier Cricket and both under age competitions, including the Green Shield where he holds the record for most runs in the competition’s history, a grounded Konstas refuses to look beyond his next dig.

“It was good to get the hundred and tick that box. But now, a few days later, it’s definitely time to reset and get ready for next Saturday’s game against Hawkesbury.”

Sam Konstas of Sutherland prepares to walk out to bat during round 1 NSW Premier Grade cricket match between Sutherland and Northern Districts at Glenn McGrath Oval on September 24, 2022 in Caringbah. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp Australia)

After being guaranteed a first grade starting spot by Sutherland, Konstas exited St George during the offseason in a move which triggered an exemption from weekend Cranbrook commitments and allowed him to hook up with childhood hero Shane Watson.

With Watson, the former Aussie allrounder, having lived the trials and tribulations of a teenage prodigy, it’s a perfect mix.

Last September Konstas scored four runs in his top grade debut, and by his own lofty standards was slow out of the gates with just 90 runs across the opening four rounds.

Sam Konstas of Sutherland walks off after being dismissed during round 1 NSW Premier Grade cricket match between Sutherland and Northern Districts at Glenn McGrath Oval on September 24, 2022 in Caringbah. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp Australia)

“Sutherland and Shane Watson have been really good. Shane has been really helping me with my mental preparation and technical aspects,” Konstas said.

“My aim is to just stick to the process, the results will come if I just focus on that.”

With the wheels now in motion, Konstas acknowledges that raising the bar is set to become more difficult.

“First grade is definitely a big step up, but it's a great experience and it continues to test my ability,” he said.

“It's a real mental game. I just try and keep working on my routines, like switching off between balls and following the breathing techniques. That really helps get me up for the contest.”