Sam Konstas set for massive pay rise as Sri Lanka series looms

Teenage star Sam Konstas’ life has changed immeasurably after becoming a household name overnight. But now he’s set for a life-changing cash boost.

Teenage cricket prodigy Sam Konstas’ life has changed immeasurably over the last two weeks after becoming a household name overnight.

Alongside all the fame and glamour that comes with being Australian cricket’s hottest new pick, the 19-year-old is now also set to pocket a juicy $225,000 pay rise just by stepping onto the field against Sri Lanka later this month.

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Another Test appearance will elevate him to a Cricket Australia central contract valued at $346,641.

Code Sports reports the teen, who still lives with his parents, will also receive back pay to cover the difference between his current state contract and the upgraded deal.

Not bad for a bloke still months away from 20.

Konstas was ushered into the side to replace Nathan McSweeney and immediately grabbed attention with his bold half-century on Boxing Day.

He also became a key figure in Australia’s Border-Gavaskar series win after finding himself at the centre of several flashpoints between the sides on the field.

But the praise for the plucky boy from Hurstville hasn’t been unanimous. In all four innings atop the order, Konstas rarely showed interest in defending the ball as a traditional opener would.

He flashed at a few too many balls and fell cheaply in every innings following his 65 on debut, which included some outrageous ramp shots that left purists squinting.

Teenage cricket prodigy Sam Konstas’ life has changed immeasurably over the last two weeks after becoming a household name overnight. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Former Aussie opener Simon Katich says there might be a little more to it than just overconfidence on Konstas’ part, however.

Katich said his slog-to-the-fence approach could be a strategic move from Australia’s management, who were left at a critical juncture at 1-1 before Boxing Day.

Konstas is far more than a pinch-hitter, as we’ve seen from his early Sheffield Shield tons.

A barnstorming 56 off 27 balls in the Big Bash for the Thunder convinced Australia he had his eye in.

But it appears the 19-year-old was encouraged to take a leaf out of the T20 book against India instead of knuckling down for a traditional Test opener’s knock.

“He’s obviously got a lot of talent which we’ve seen glimpses of what he’s capable of with his stroke play,” Katich said on SEN Radio.

“But from what I can gather talking to some of the NSW boys … he doesn’t always play like this. So it’s been a bit of a shock to hear that this is completely different to how he normally goes about it.”

it appears the 19-year-old was encouraged to take a leaf out of the T20 book against India instead of knuckling down for a traditional Test opener’s knock. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) /

Katich is among those who suggest the upper ranks of Australia’s leadership told Konstas to throw out the rule book and come to Melbourne swinging just to disrupt Jasprit Bumrah.

“I just wonder whether he was given the brief to disrupt Bumrah and the Indians and just go out there with intent and (the mindset that) whatever happens, happens,” said Katich.

“Because there’s a lot more freedom when you’re 19 knowing that if you don’t get it right the first time around, you can go back, work on your game and then fight your way back in.”

Border calls for calm

Several Australian cricket greats have urged captain Pat Cummins to put his arm around Konstas and give him some words of wisdom following the run-in with Jasprit Bumrah late on day one at the SCG.

Allan Border said on Fox Cricket if he was captaining today: “I would have had a chat (with Konstas) by now.

“There’s a subtle difference between confidence and cockiness and I think he’s just tipped over to the cocky side,” Border said.

“I would be having a word, yeah. Just to calm it down a bit. I don’t mind confidence but I think that cocky chirp and chat that goes on … he’s obviously ruffled some feathers in the Indian camp.

‘There’s a subtle difference between confidence and cockiness.’ Photo: Tom Parrish

“From his own personal point of view I’d like to see him concentrate on what he does best and that’s batting and getting big scores.”

World Cup winner Tom Moody also weighed in.

“Sam Konstas has much to learn. I hope the dressing room is offering that guidance without suppressing his confidence and youthful enthusiasm,” he wrote on X.

“Usman had it all under control, what he didn’t need was the distraction of having to settle his partner down at the non strikers end!”