Australian cricket prodigy Sam Konstas compared to Michael Clarke ahead of U19s World Cup final

Ahead of the under 19s World Cup final against India, one of Australia’s opening batsmen has been praised for his old fashioned mentality with comparisons being drawn to a former Aussie captain.

Australian cricket prodigy Sam Konstas has been dubbed the new Michael Clarke … not that he had any way to catch up with the compliment.

The opening batsman is a modern day star with an old fashioned mentality and has already sworn off all social media.

Konstas will lead the charge for Australia in Sunday night’s under 19s World Cup final against India in South Africa, having made a clutch century when his team was in all sorts of trouble in the must-win final group game against the West Indies.

The 18-year-old debuted for NSW in the Sheffield Shield just days after he finished the HSC, and is being hailed one of the most talented natural talents the state has produced since former Test captain, Clarke.

One of the biggest things Konstas has going for him is his mental discipline, a skill he is being mentored in by Clarke’s old teammate, Shane Watson.

Watson has written books on lessons he wished he knew at the start of his career about the art of harnessing powers of the mind, and Konstas has already immersed himself in the wisdom.

Sam Konstas celebrates after reaching a century at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Konstas’ decision to not engage in any social media not only protects him from the trolls, but has also kept him level when ex-players forecast his potential to emulate the feats of a great like Clarke.

“It’s obviously a huge compliment. I haven’t heard that from anyone,” Konstas told this masthead.

“I’m just trying to be myself and trying to put runs on the board is crucial. Getting compared to Clarke is pretty amazing.

“I think (staying off social media) just keeps me level and being in the present moment is crucial for me, and trying to not get too distracted by outside noise.”

Konstas hails from Hurstville in Sydney’s south, but was lured away from St George to play for Watson’s grade club, Sutherland.

Watson was a star alongside Clarke in Australia’s under 19s World Cup team in 1999-2000 – but that stacked team also featuring Mitchell Johnson, current Aussie coach Andrew McDonald, Shaun Marsh and Nathan Hauritz was unable to progress as far as this team has.

The former all-rounder and one-time Australian captain has been a vital figure in Konstas’ development, both from a technical viewpoint and the mental side of the game.

“Shane just texted me today to congratulate our team and our success,” Konstas said.

“He’s had a big part in my career. Just simplifying things for me and working on my mental game has been crucial. I’m just trying to do the little things for longer.

Konstas has drawn comparisons to Michael Clarke. Picture: Getty Images

“With my technical side, I’m working on my trigger with Watto and sending him messages on what I can get better at. But I think the process has been massive for me. The way I go about my game, and the way I review it. Just trying to keep it as simple as possible.”

After a nail-biting win over Pakistan in the semi-final, Australia will now go to battle against who else but India in the final in Benoni, which will be broadcast live in Australia on Amazon Prime Video.

Sutherland has another star in the team in fast bowler Tom Straker, who took stunning figures of 6-24 against Pakistan in the semi.

Australian cricket is filled with stories like David Warner and Aaron Finch, who have formed life-long bonds after first featuring in under 19s teams together.

Konstas knows those opportunities await this current side.

“That’s the plan. We’ve got such an amazing team and such amazing individuals, which we’re going to build friendships for a long time,” he said.

“And that’s the beauty about cricket. It’s the friendships off the field, alongside on the field success.

“We know each other well and we’ve been having a good time together.”

Originally published as Australian cricket prodigy Sam Konstas compared to Michael Clarke ahead of U19s World Cup final