Sam Konstas faced another disappointing outing in Perth, falling for just 14 runs against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield. This marks his second low score in the ongoing match, complicating his chances of selection for the upcoming first Ashes Test. After being dismissed leg before wicket by Joel Paris on the opening day, Konstas returned to the crease on Monday as New South Wales (NSW) aimed to extend a narrow first-innings lead in a challenging low-scoring contest.
Konstas managed to score 14 runs off as many balls, beginning with a couple of early boundaries. However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he drove loosely at a delivery from Matthew Kelly, resulting in a catch to Ashton Agar at point. Fellow opener Blake Nikitaras was dismissed shortly thereafter, leaving NSW struggling at 2-17 and with an overall lead of just 26 runs. As he exited the WACA Ground, Konstas had to contend with the reality that other contenders for the Test team were performing well in matches across the country.
One of those contenders, Marnus Labuschagne, demonstrated his capability by scoring a century for Queensland, having previously lost his place to Konstas during the Caribbean tour earlier this year. Labuschagne, batting at No. 3, reached his century after surviving a straightforward stumping chance when he was on 98. His performance was particularly significant following a difficult winter, and he celebrated the milestone with enthusiasm.
Selectors Observe Top Performances
Selection chair George Bailey was present at Allan Border Field to witness the match. He observed two top-order centuries from the Queensland team, including contributions from both Matt Renshaw and Labuschagne, along with a fluent half-century from incumbent Test opener Usman Khawaja.
The performances of Renshaw and Labuschagne provide a strong case for consideration by the selectors, as substantial innings from the top three batsmen are what they are currently prioritizing. With the Ashes series approaching, these innings could play a critical role in shaping the final team selection.
As the Sheffield Shield progresses, the pressure mounts for players like Konstas to capitalize on their opportunities, especially with the stakes so high ahead of the Test series. The competition remains fierce, and only performances that stand out will secure spots in the national team.
