Sam Konstas Departs as Marnus Labuschagne’s Status Remains Uncertain Before Second Test Against Sri Lanka

Rising star and batting prodigy Sam Konstas has been dispatched back to Australia from Sri Lanka ahead of the second Test in Galle.

The 19-year-old was part of the Australian squad but is now heading back to Sydney to represent New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield.

This development comes just a day after former Test player Brad Haddin advocated for Konstas’s return after he was overlooked for selection in the first match.

Having played two Tests against India on home soil, Konstas travelled to Sri Lanka aiming to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order.

However, he found himself on the sidelines as Australia opted to introduce Josh Inglis in conditions favouring spin bowlers.

The decision proved fruitful as Inglis scored a century in his inaugural Test innings.

Former opening batsman Ed Cowan expressed his bewilderment over Konstas’s exclusion.

“You can’t learn how to handle spin when you’re not facing it,” Cowan remarked to ABC Sport.

While Konstas will miss out on the second Test, other uncertainties linger regarding the Australian batting lineup.

Questions continue to surround the out-of-form No. 3 batsman Marnus Labuschagne following an unusual training scenario on Tuesday.

Media personnel observing the tour noted that Labuschagne did not partake in batting practice, unlike other first-team players.

After scoring only 20 in the first Test while his colleagues were amassing runs, Labuschagne’s position in the side is again under scrutiny.

Over his last 26 Test matches, he has maintained an average of just over 30 runs per innings, considerably lower than his average of over 60 in the preceding 30 games.

On Tuesday, Labuschagne was seen training separately with reserve batsman Nathan McSweeney and did not face the team’s leading spin bowlers.

This has only intensified speculation regarding his potential omission from the second Test.

Cooper Connolly participated in batting drills with the main squad and could be in line for his Test debut for the upcoming match beginning Thursday.

Travis Head, on the other hand, believes that Konstas will likely return to the Test squad to open the batting in the World Test Championship final against Sri Lanka later this year.

“Most likely, I’ll shift back into the middle order and Sam will open, but I’m glad I’m not a selector,” Head commented.

“Josh (Inglis) has made an incredible start, and everyone’s performing well. Greeny [Cameron Green] will be back in action.

“So it’s going to be a challenge to find room for everyone, and that’s the way we want it.”

“We want an Australian cricket team that is competitive to enter, with players pushing for their spots. That’s where the pressure lies, trying to keep your place every Test knowing there are others ready to take your spot.

“We’re in a strong position. It’s better to have seven or eight batsmen in the conversation than just three or four.”

Head opened the batting in the first Test and smashed a quick fifty, while Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Inglis all scored centuries.