Australia consider fast-tracking Sam Konstas into ODI team ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy

Australian prodigy Sam Konstas is forcing selectors to consider fast-tracking him for higher honours following his destructive introduction to international cricket.

Sam Konstas’ astonishing entrance into Test cricket has given national selectors cause to consider fast-tracking him into the national white-ball setup for February’s Champions Trophy.

The Boxing Day Test is only Konstas’ 12th first-class match but he is even less experienced professionally when it comes to one-day cricket.

He has played just one domestic one-dayer for NSW, making 10 off 14 batting at No.3 against South Australia in Adelaide last month.

But with a hundred in the Prime Minister’s XI match and a quick-fire half-century on Big Bash League debut for the Sydney Thunder already this month, Konstas has shown he is capable in limited overs cricket.

His first innings 60 against India at the MCG on Thursday showcased an ability to be a 360-degree shotmaker, with his reverse scoops off Jasprit Bumrah just the type of shots that would make him fit right in playing the shorter formats.

Australia doesn’t play another limited-overs match until a one-off one-dayer in Sri Lanka on February 13, a game that effectively serves as a warm-up for the Champions Trophy being held primarily in Pakistan.

The Aussies have not won the 50-over ICC event since 2009, meaning none of the current Australian team has tasted success in the competition, last held in 2017.

With Mitch Marsh and Travis Head both absent for November’s one-dayers against Pakistan, Australia paired Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk at the top of the order. Neither was able to stake a strong claim to be David Warner’s long-term successor, averaging 14 and 12 respectively as the tourists claimed a rare series victory on Australian soul.

Australian legend Adam Gilchrist – a man who conquered three formats across his storeyed career – said Konstas’ innings had provided the selection panel reason for thought.

“I think it gives immediately selectors an option to think about. It’s one innings but it’s very exciting what we saw,” Fox Cricket expert Gilchrist told this masthead.

TOPSHOT – Australian batsman Sam Konstas plays a ramp shot on the first day of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 26, 2024. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / – IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE –

“If you play like that, clearly you’re going to have a positive effect in any level of cricket that you play. That was almost a T20-like innings. That said he did defend well, he defended with great intent and positivity. He let the ball go at times. So it wasn’t complete out of control wild swinging. It seemed more like a very well calculated offensive approach.”

Konstas is likely to return to the BBL following the Sydney Test where he will have the chance to further his white-ball claims.

Selectors have shown a willingness to value T20 form for one-day selection in recent years.

It is also unclear where Konstas sits for Australia’s plans for the two Test series in Sri Lanka that begins late next month.

Travis Head was used successfully as an opener in India last year alongside Usman Khawaja however Konstas’ performance is another consideration for George Bailey and co.

Originally published as Australia consider fast-tracking Sam Konstas into ODI team ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy