Sam Konstas has made an unbeaten 151 from 167 balls for NSW against Western Australia at the WACA Ground, with national selector Tony Dodemaide watching on.
The 21-year-old opener reached his century from 136 balls and hit four sixes and 15 fours, with NSW declaring their second innings at 5-262 as soon as he passed 150, AAP reported for cricket.com.au.
That set WA 364 to win, and the hosts were 3-30 at stumps on day three of the Sheffield Shield match.
Konstas also made 71 in the first innings, in his first Shield game since returning from Australia A duties in India.
“I’m feeling very good, like I have a lot of clarity in the way I am batting,” Konstas said. “I feel like I am moving very nice. In (my) first game it was good to get some balls in and get a start. And just cashing in now with my start, so very happy.”
Told that Dodemaide was at the ground, Konstas said: “I didn’t realise he was here, but it’s good to score a few runs”.
Read more: Scott Boland Takes Four as South Africa Slump to 5-97 in Gqeberha
Test opening spot
It was Konstas’ fifth first-class century. He was dropped from the Test side in July last year after making 60 on debut against India on Boxing Day 2024 and then failing to pass 25 in his next nine innings.
Nic Maddinson was given the opening spot for the current series in South Africa. He made 0 and 8 in the second Test in Gqeberha, where Australia were bowled out for 99 and made to follow on.
Read more: Temba Bavuma Hits 179 as South Africa Seize Control in Gqeberha
WA in trouble
WA’s chase faltered after a 29-run opening stand. Cameron Bancroft (11), Sam Whiteman (17) and nightwatcher Corey Rocchiccioli (0) all fell in the space of eight balls, with Ben Dwarshuis taking 2-5 and Jack Edwards 1-0 from four overs.
Rocchiccioli had earlier taken 3-90 from 19 overs. NSW declared their first innings at 6-440 before bowling WA out for 339.
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