Don’t think Sam Konstas can survive as a Test opener playing like that: Ponting-OxBig News Network

Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels Sam Konstas won’t be able to survive as an opener for long in Test cricket with his current style of play. Konstas recently made his Test debut against India during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 19-year-old left everyone stunned with his fearless strokeplay as he took on India’s best bowler Jasprit Bumrah and reverse-scooped him for boundaries.

Apart from his batting heroics, Konstas didn’t shy away from engaging in banters and verbal duals as he riled up Jasprit Bumrah late on Day 1 of the fifth Test in Sydney. Recently, Ponting shared his views on Konstas’ debut series and the Australian legend mentioned that the young opener will have to work on his technique.

“I don’t think he can survive as a Test opening batsman playing like that all the time. So he will learn a lot from the first couple of games that he played as a batsman, but just as an international sportsman as well, I think he’ll learn a lot. It’s a big stage and he really enjoyed it at the MCG,” said Ponting on the ICC Review show.

Further speaking ahead, Ponting said that like other youngsters, Konstas will take time to get used to international cricket and understand what does he need to succeed at that level.

“But I’ve seen this happen a lot with young players. They come in, they get overawed by everything a little bit, and it takes them a few games or a few series just to actually work out who they are and who they need to be successful international players,” he added.

Konstas’ memorable debut series

Konstas played a brilliant knock on his debut during the fourth Test in Melbourne, scoring a brilliant 60 (65) as he took on Jasprit Bumrah. The 19-year-old put his fearless strokeplay on display as he reverse-scooped the India fast bowler for boundaries.

He finished the series with 113 runs from two matches (four innings) at an average of 28.25 and a strike rate of 81.88. Having got his career off to a terrific start, Konstas will be eager to continue his form as Australia also have the all-important Ashes series lined up later this year.