Marnus Labuschagne predicts a bright future for audacious opener Sam Konstas

Marnus Labuschagne has backed back the aggressive methods of his new Australian teammate Sam Konstas after some early Ashes attacks from England.

Marnus Labuschagne has leapt to the defence of his Australian teammate Sam Konstas, whose exploits in the recent Test series against India have been ridiculed by sections of the English media, who described the young opener as a “cricketing version of Raygun”.

Konstas’ audacious methods – including ramp shots – in two Tests against India’s bowling attack, including star paceman Jasprit Bumrah, divided opinion, but his aggressive approach undoubtedly helped Australian clinch the series.

However, with next summer’s Ashes series on the horizon, some English media have been quick to poke fun at Konstas.

“There was a sense during the India series of Konstas being installed as a cricketing version of Raygun the Olympic breakdancer – a fun, gimmicky approximation of the real thing,” The Guardian’s Barney Ronay.

“This is a nation that seems convinced the future of cricket is a spunky, mulletted, wispy-moustachioed bloke who hasn’t scored any runs but whacks it in interesting ways.

“Konstas will have a long and lucrative career in the form the sport now takes, nut what are the odds he has already made his highest Test score?”

Sam Konstas (left) and Marnus Labuschagne have a chat during Australia’s Test series against India. Picture: Martin KEEP / AFP

Labuschagne had little doubt that Konstas would better his current Test best of 60.

“It was really enjoyable to watch him play his style, but as his career continues, we’ll see him develop and show all these other skills and abilities,” Australia’s Test No.3 Labuschagne said.

“You look at his 60, at the MCG – that got the ball rolling. That then shifted everyone into being able to put runs on the board, and then you move again to even the SCG, when he got, 20, yes, in an ideal test match where it’s a flat wicket, you want your top order to be scoring hundreds, but the impact he had on the series was definitely valuable.”

And while admitting that Konstas would “annoy” him as an opposition player, Labuschagne said the teenager was an “amazing kid” with “amazing character”.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him. He’s a real nice guy, and there’s so many great characteristics there that he has that’s going for him,” said Labuschagne, who backed Konstas to succeed on spinning wickets on Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka if he retains his spot at the top of the order.

“You obviously need to add a little bit more craft in Sri Lanka ... but there’s certainly no reason why being aggressive and finding your method can’t work there.

“I haven’t seen Sam play spin a lot, but I’m sure he’ll have a method and he’ll have a plan, and if he gets the opportunity, I’m sure he will take it on.”

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Before he reunites with Konstas for the tour, Labuschagne will focus on his sole BBL appearance of the season for Brisbane Heat against Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba on Thursday night.

The Heat, whose side against the Hurricanes will also include Test opener Usman Khawaja, can’t afford to lose the match if they want to reach the semi-finals.

“To come in and be able to play in a game that is really important is exciting,” Labuschagne said.

“It’s a must-win game for us against the top-of-the-table Hurricanes.”