Konstas makes Aus A squad as hunt for Green replacement begins

Teen sensation Sam Konstas has a chance to earn his maiden Australian cap this summer after the batting prodigy was named in the 17-player Australia A squad to face India A in November.

The 19-year-old NSW opener made the whole cricket world take notice last week in South Australia after he became the youngest man since Ricky Ponting to record two centuries in a Sheffield Shield game. That record has stood since 1992.

While Konstas may yet ride the pine, he’s even odds to play against India A in Perth come November.

He, alongside other Australia A players who got the nod for this 2024 squad like Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Beau Webster, are all looking to make as much impact as possible for one reason—someone has to fill the spot left by the injured Cameron Green missing the Test summer to undergo back surgey.

Aaron Hardie, who some considered another good chance to step in for Green, was instead included in the one-day international squad for next month’s three-match home series against Pakistan.

“We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season,” Cricket Australia chief selector George Bailey said, giving Konstas the nod in particular.

“This is our last ODI series before the Champions Trophy and the balance of the squad was focused on that as well as continuing to focus on preparation of individuals for the upcoming Test summer.”

Australia A squad: Nathan McSweeney (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.