Teen sensation Sam Konstas overcomes cramps to achieve his first List A century

Teenage batting sensation Sam Konstas has hit a domestic one-day century for New South Wales as he aims for a spot in the Australian XI for the upcoming World Test Championship final.

Overcoming cramps that necessitated medical attention, Konstas smashed 116 runs off 98 balls, marking his first List A century during the match against Queensland on Thursday.

The 19-year-old’s performance at Allan Border Field in Brisbane provided a timely reminder for the Australian selectors, especially after his recent omission in Sri Lanka.

While NSW fell short of chasing down a target of 311 runs, Konstas’ impressive innings, featuring 13 fours and three sixes, certainly gave the selectors plenty to consider as Australia geared up for their pivotal clash with South Africa at Lord’s in June.

The right-handed batsman from Sydney’s south was fortunate to survive several near misses during a somewhat erratic innings, which boasted moments of good luck.

He showcased a range of outstanding shots, both traditional and unconventional.

One such moment occurred when he hit leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson for six with a brilliant switch hit.

He reached his century by backing away and launching right-arm quick Callum Vidler for six over point.

Konstas was ultimately dismissed while attempting a wild slog at a delivery from Gurinder Sandhu that was well outside off stump, offering a catch to Ben McDermott at cover.

Queensland’s Lachlan Hearne was named player of the match after scoring 107 runs off 91 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes.

Queensland bowled NSW out for 256, resulting in a 54-run victory.

Konstas is likely to head to England for county cricket once the domestic season wraps up.

In his next outing, he will represent NSW against Victoria in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG, starting next Tuesday.

Konstas made a dazzling start to his Test career, scoring 60 runs from 65 balls against India on Boxing Day, which included audacious lap shots off the exceptional Jasprit Bumrah.

However, he followed up with scores of 8, 23, and 22 in the Border-Gavaskar series before being dropped during the tour of Sri Lanka, as selectors opted for Travis Head as an opener and Josh Inglis in the middle order in two Tests played in Galle.

It remains to be seen if Konstas will reclaim his place atop the Test batting order alongside Usman Khawaja ahead of the World Test Championship final, set to kick off on June 11.