Overview

• Sam Konstas has been named Australia’s opener for the opening Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval after impressing selectors with his rapid rise.
• He announced himself on debut at the MCG in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by blasting 60 off 52 balls against India’s pace attack.
• Since that match, Konstas has worked intensively on his front-foot technique and emotional control to avoid repeat skirmishes.
• Konstas now praises Virat Kohli’s wristwork and leg-side mastery, calling the Indian batting great his primary inspiration.
• He has constructed his ideal batsman by blending Kohli’s elegance with AB de Villiers’ aggression and Steve Smith’s off-side precision.