‘Return Him Home’: Brad Haddin’s Call to Selectors in Sam Konstas’ Selection Uncertainty

Former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has urged Australia’s selectors to send young talent Sam Konstas back to NSW if he’s set to miss the second match of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

Haddin believes that the 19-year-old opener would benefit more from competing in a Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane, commencing on Saturday, rather than continuing to practise in the nets in Sri Lanka.

“We must remember he’s only 19, so if he’s not being used for the second Test, I would suggest sending him home to play state cricket,” Haddin stated in anticipation of the second Test, which kicks off on Thursday.

“He hasn’t had extensive experience playing first-class cricket, and the more opportunities he has to play, the better he will become.

“He’s had a solid couple of weeks over there [in Sri Lanka] and gained invaluable experience.

“If he’s not going to be needed, it makes sense to send him back to bat for his state.”

Konstas was omitted from the first Test of the Sri Lankan tour as selectors opted to shift Travis Head to the top order, where he made an impressive 57 from 40 balls alongside Usman Khawaja. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis was slotted into the middle order, scoring a remarkable 102 from 94 on his Test debut.

Australia achieved victory in the first Test by an innings and 242 runs, successfully retaining the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

Steve Smith’s team is now focused on sealing the series 2-0 in the upcoming second Test, which starts on Thursday.

Konstas may have been dropped after just two Tests, but the gifted right-hand batter remains a potential selection for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

“I believe he was left out due to a pre-established plan from Australia regarding how they intended to approach the series in Sri Lanka,” Haddin noted, reflecting on Head’s success as an opener during the 2023 India tour.

“We’ve seen how well Travis Head and Usman [Khawaja] performed at the top of the order.

“My feeling is that Konstas will seamlessly come back into the side for the Test Championship final.”

Haddin’s recommendation for Konstas to return home contrasts with Steve Smith’s earlier comments, which touted the tour as a significant learning opportunity for the young player.

“He’ll get plenty of practice here if he doesn’t play, which in itself is fantastic for his development,” Smith remarked before the first Test.

“I recall in 2013, when I didn’t play in the first few Tests [in India], the amount of time I spent in the nets, which greatly improved my skills after facing numerous net bowlers.

“So regardless of whether he plays or not, this will be a wonderful experience for him.”