Mark Taylor’s Encouraging Words for Sam Konstas During Career Uncertainty: ‘He’s Capable of So Much More’

Former Test captain Mark Taylor believes that Sam Konstas needs to reflect on the tenacity that earned him a spot in the Australian cricket team, especially as his career now appears to be in a state of uncertainty.

Following two Tests against India on home soil, Konstas was omitted from the squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Upon his return to Australia, Konstas has struggled significantly, with multiple dismissals coming in disappointing circumstances. Notably, during a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, he was bowled out in just the third over while attempting to launch a massive shot over fine leg off Scott Boland.

Taylor remarked that it’s crucial for Konstas to remember how he originally forged his path into consideration for Test selection.

“Right now, he finds himself in limbo… he seems unsure of exactly how he wants to approach his batting,” Taylor stated.

“I witnessed his dismissals in the match against Victoria. In the second innings, he got out in a more traditional manner.

“He seems uncertain about how and where he should play. I would advise Sam Konstas to think about how he earned his spot in the Australian cricket team; he achieved that by playing traditional cricket. It’s time to revert back to that.

“You must stand by your style of play. He doesn’t intuitively play like he did on Boxing Day last summer—that’s not his game. He’s better than that.”

Konstas is still regarded as a viable long-term option for the Australian Test team, particularly as it faces significant changes with many veterans nearing the end of their cricketing careers.

The core of the Australian team consists of players aged over 30, with Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon both approaching 40. Among the primary fast bowlers—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Scott Boland—Cummins is the youngest at 31. Both Boland and Starc are 35, while Hazlewood is 34.

Taylor noted that the upcoming Ashes summer could see a number of players bidding farewell to the squad.

“There will certainly be changes in the Australian cricket team after next summer’s Ashes series concludes,” he expressed.

“For Pat Cummins and the team, let’s hope the status quo remains and we come out victorious in that series.”