Overview
- Sam Konstas scored a career-best 173 for New South Wales and sits atop the Sheffield Shield run charts with 426 runs at an 85.20 average this season.
- National selectors are due to name the squad for the first Test against New Zealand late next week, putting Konstas’s recent form under direct evaluation.
- Konstas says his batting has changed tactically, technically and mentally since his first Test stint, when he averaged 16.3 across 10 Tests and was dropped.
- Match reports note his 173 included key reprieves—a caught-off no-ball and a dropped chance—which has prompted discussion about separating true form from fortunate moments.
- A recall would reflect selectors’ interest in younger batting options ahead of the home New Zealand series and the five-match Border‑Gavaskar Trophy in India, and it would alter the makeup of Australia’s top order if confirmed.