Sam Konstas named Bradman Young Cricketers of the year at Australian cricket awards

After a stunning Test debut teenage tyro Sam Konstas has been given an honour named after Australia’s best ever.

The rise of teen prodigy Sam Konstas is gaining further momentum with the exciting opener joining the likes of David Warner and Shane Watson in claiming the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Award.

Such has been Konstas’ sharp rise from Under 19 cricket, the 19-year-old was only just eligible for the award as he raced past 10 first-class matches during his ascendancy into Test selection in December.

The winner of the award must be under 24 and have made fewer than 10 first-class appearances.

Konstas burst onto the scene in a stunning takedown of Indian quick Jasprit Bumrah on debut in the Boxing Day Test.

First saw him in the BBL, where he smashed a fifty off 20 balls, and now he smashed a six to Jasprit Bumrah on debut. You're a special talent, Sam Konstas.pic.twitter.com/ceaRvppk7q

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) December 26, 2024

He joins Australia champion Warner and longtime mentor Watson as other previous winners of the award, the longevity of their international careers looming as a strong pointer to the potential trajectory for Konstas.

His haul across the summer of 471 runs at an average of 59 in five Sheffield Shield summer included him becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same game, which he did for NSW, as well as scoring a century for the PM’s XI against India’s tour side.

He said that Test debut was the highlight of his summer when he won the award.

“To even be considered is a huge honour, just grateful for the opportunities that I had. I’ve learnt so much from my mentors throughout the year,” Konstas said.

“The pinnacle of my season was the Boxing Day Test and playing with and against the players that I idolised as a kid and winning that Test was significant given where the series was at 1-1.

“The key for me has been having the right people around me so I’m grateful to them and all the opportunities that I’ve had.”

Georgia Voll made an ODI hundred in just her second game for Australia (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

West Australian young gun Chloe Ainsworth was awarded the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award for her performances for WA and the Perth Scorchers.

Ainsworth, like Konstas, was surprised when by her achievement.

“I was pretty surprised to be given this award as there is so much amazing young talent in Australian cricket, it’s pretty cool to get it,” she said.

“The highlight of the season for me was getting to play my first game on the WACA Ground and getting a couple of wickets.

“I’ve been in the pathways for a few years now and being able to train with so many great players and coaches has been amazing so I’m super grateful and enjoying the journey.”

New Test all-rounder Beau Webster surged the Domestic Player of the Year Award, voted for by his peers, having starred for Tasmania on his way to an international debut in Sydney against India.

Webster scored 1087 runs at 47.26 and 43 wickets at 23.37 across first-class and List A cricket for his state Tasmania, and capped his summer by hitting the winning runs at the SCG to seal the fifth Test victory.

As harsh as it sounds the decision to drop Mitch Marsh for Beau Webster won Australia the BGT. I don’t think we win if they don’t pull the trigger.

Fittingly Webster hits the winning runs. Scored more in one test than Marsh did the whole series.pic.twitter.com/6luuJTHhrD

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) January 5, 2025

Georgia Voll, the winner of the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year, had a similar season.

She enjoyed a golden summer for Queensland, making 810 runs across all formats, before propelling into the national side making a century in just her second ODI.

“I’ve worked really hard to develop my game and focusing on staying in the moment, whether it be with Queensland or Sydney Thunder and doing my role for them,” Voll said.

“To be able to get my opportunity to then play more for Australia has been a dream come true, sharing a dressing room with some of the greats of the game.

“It’s humbling to be voted by the players to receive this award and I’d like to thank my family, coaches and teammates for their support.”

AWARD WINNERS

Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year – Sam Konstas (NSW/Sydney Thunder)

Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year – Chloe Ainsworth (Western Australia/Perth Scorchers)

Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Beau Webster (Tasmania/Melbourne Stars)

Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Georgia Voll (Queensland/Sydney Thunder)