Australia coach Andrew McDonald says Sam Konstas won’t be held back if they think he’s ready

Australia’s selectors have decided to ignore the opponent when they weigh up whether teen-sensation Sam Konstas is worth a Test debut, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Australia’s cricket selectors feel no need to put a set of training wheels on 19-year-old Sam Konstas, if they deem him ready for Test cricket.

Test coach and selector Andrew McDonald conceded Konstas was “making noise’’ in Sheffield Shield cricket and the selectors felt no need to wait for an easier opponent than the wounded but world class India if he is the best option.

“I think we’re picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we’ll head down that direction,’’ McDonald said on the ABC’s Offsiders.

“And clearly Sam Konstas on the back of his first Shield match (with twin centuries against South Australia), and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland has definitely made some noise.

“I’ve heard people commentating ‘do you protect the player?’ If they’re ready, they’re ready in our mind, and if Sam’s capable and we feel as though is capable to fill that spot I don’t think that the opponent should come into the equation.

“I think it’s purely is this player good enough to play Test cricket? Let’s give them the opportunity. Give him some time, and away you go. You’ve got to start against someone, and you shouldn’t be holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent, and India is a strong opponent.’’

Selectors won’t hold Sam Konstas back if they think he is ready. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

It appears Konstas and Nathan McSweeney are the frontrunners to fill the opening spot left by Steve Smith’s likely return to No 4 in the order for next month’s first Test against India in Perth.

McSweeney is best known as a number three but McDonald said Australia had a lengthy and successful history of moving middle order players such as Shane Watson and Simon Katich to opening the innings when required.

“I think he’s technically capable and definitely got the mindset to be able to achieve good things at the top of the order, but whether that’s the time and place for him right now, that’s to be decided.’’

Nathan McSweeney is a man in form. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

McDonald, like the rest of the cricket world, was taken aback by New Zealand’s stunning 2-0 series defeat of India in India, that nation’s first home loss in 12 years.

“Really, you wouldn’t have given New Zealand, any chance, really, on the back of their Sri Lankan tour previous to the Indian series,’’ he said.

McDonald conceded the omission of master paceman Mohammed Shami from the Australian tour was a “big blow’’ for India but the tourists had proven in recent tours of Australia that their back-up bowlers were still a major threat.

McDonald admitted that David Warner and texted and phoned him about a potential comeback but the prospect was never seriously considered.

“I think it was a bit of tongue in cheek really. David’s retired and had a magnificent send off last year … we had no conversations about David coming back.’’

Originally published as Australia coach Andrew McDonald says Sam Konstas won’t be held back if they think he’s ready