Ashes: Sam Konstas embraces ‘Raygun’ barbs from UK media

Young Australian star Sam Konstas is embracing being labelled “the cricketing version of Raygun” as the UK media took several swipes at the opening batter ahead of this year’s Ashes.

Young Australian star Sam Konstas is embracing being labelled “the cricketing version of Raygun” as the UK media took several swipes at the opening batter ahead of this year’s Ashes.

Konstas got the world’s attention following his quickfire 60 on Boxing Day as he became one of the few batters to take down India’s Jasprit Bumrah this summer.

It was a bold start to life in Test cricket which earned him plenty of praise, but according to some journalists in England, he still has much to learn.

Sam Konstas ramp six

“There was a sense during the India series of Konstas being installed as a cricketing version of Raygun,” Barney Ronay wrote in The Guardian, referring to divisive Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn.

“A fun, gimmicky approximation of the real thing.”

Other compatriots of Ronay from the UK press were quick to argue that England’s young prodigy Jacob Bethell was set to have a far better career than Konstas.

Konstas is looking to end is stint with the Thunder this season on Friday with another strong showing. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Speaking ahead of his final game for the Sydney Thunder this season against the Sixers on Friday, the 19-year-old was not fazed by the commentary and is focused on playing each match in front of him.

“I’ll take that,” Konstas said of the Raygun comparison. “I haven’t quite been looking through the media stuff.

“Obviously, they’ve got their opinions but I’m just trying to be me and be authentic … (and) the best version of myself and I’ll focus on tomorrow night. I’m just loving life and trying to be in the moment.

“My phone’s been blowing up these past few days as well, but I’ve got a close family, and I know what’s right for me.

“I remember when I was a kid watching Mitchell Johnson play Alastair Cook and all those legends, so hopefully if I do get an opportunity, I’ll take it with both hands.”

Raygun took the world by storm during the Paris Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

An Australian opener coming under fire from the English press is a well-trodden path and one that Konstas’ Thunder teammate David Warner knows all too well.

His advice to the teenager is to find a way to enjoy the extra attention because he believes it will make him a better batter by the time the Ashes roll around in November.

“Thankfully enough the news doesn’t travel from that side of the world to Australia,” Warner quipped.

“But from my point of view for Sam, it’s just let it go. When you’re here or there with the crowds and you’re in the moment, then you can do whatever you want.

The teenager is hopeful he will have a role to play when the Ashes roll around late this year. Picture: Saeed Khan/AFP

“I always found going with them and enjoying it is the right way to go about it. Because at the end of the day, it makes you perform better. They want you to fail but by you performing, it shuts them up.

“I can’t wait for the Barmy Army to come out next year. It’s going to be exciting. I might be able to throw a few barbs from the commentary box. It’ll be exciting for him to be part of that Ashes squad, permitting form.”

While he’s unlikely to be a part of the Ashes, Englishman Sam Billings has a foot firmly in both camps having now played with Konstas at the Thunder.

The wicketkeeper remains confident in the young talent coming through the England set-up but believes Konstas’ ability and conviction are what makes him so unique.

“He has got confidence, but it’s definitely not arrogance,” Billings said.

This year’s Ashes could be a battle of the young guns with 21-year-old Jacob Bethell already starring for England and in the Big Bash. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Imagesx

“He definitely respects the game. His work ethic is second to none … so he’s got the right attitude.

“To me, I just see a 19-year-old kid living his dream and enjoying every moment and I think it’s quite refreshing.

“He’ll go through rough patches like we all do, but he’s got really good people around him. He’ll learn to deal with that. And he’s a strong personality, I think you need that at the top level to be able to roll with the punches.

“We’ve got Jacob Bethell, Harry Brooks … our own firepower as well. I love watching those young players take the game on. We’re seeing two teams … with some young players around it, but at the end of a cycle in terms of a lot of older players that probably might be their last Ashes series. So, it could be a brilliant prospect.”

Originally published as Ashes: Sam Konstas embraces ‘Raygun’ barbs from UK media