Discarding Tradition: Adam Gilchrist Supports Sam Konstas’ Bold Selection Strategy

Adam Gilchrist maintains that Sam Konstas remains “in the mix” for selection ahead of the World Test Championship final, despite another bout of recklessness leading to his dismissal during the Sheffield Shield match on Tuesday. He noted that the selection panel has effectively “discarded the rule book”.

However, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged that the 19-year-old Test newcomer might need to temper his aggressive batting approach if his form continues to falter, a sentiment echoed by former Test opener Phil Jaques.

On the opening day of New South Wales’ encounter with Victoria at the SCG, Konstas was dismissed for just 10 runs in the third over as he attempted an ambitious slog sweep against a delivery from Scott Boland.

By the time he completed his reckless shot, he had both feet outside off stump, exposing all three stumps, with his leg stump ultimately being knocked over.

If there were a hall of fame for outrageous dismissals, this one would certainly earn a place there.

On the second ball of his innings, the young talent had managed a lap shot that sailed over the slips for four runs.

Then, on his next delivery, he danced down the track and drove Boland for another boundary past mid-off.

However, his fourth ball proved problematic as he attempted yet another lap shot and was struck on the back leg.

Although he survived an lbw appeal, he was soon out after facing just three more deliveries.

Konstas has long been hailed as a batting prodigy with expectations for a successful Test career ahead of him, but he has recently gained a reputation as a innovative striker who doesn’t appear to value his wicket highly.

“That’s just how he approaches his game,” said Gilchrist, reflecting on the young opener’s flashy and assertive style.

“Time will reveal if that suits him, especially given the approaching final at Lord’s in a few months’ time against South Africa,” Gilchrist stated.

“This selection panel has completely redefined the guidelines; they formulate their own vision and pursue it. Therefore, I am confident he will still be in contention.

“… It’s up to [Konstas] to determine if he needs to adjust his brash playing style if he continues to miss out on selection due to a lack of results.”

“At this point, it’s an exhilarating journey.”

Konstas will have another opportunity to make an impression in NSW’s second innings of the ongoing Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, with additional matches planned as NSW aims to reach the final.

Following this, the St George local is expected to travel to England for county cricket as he seeks to secure a spot in the Australian XI for the World Test Championship final.

“I believe we have moved past the notion that there is only one way to play,” Gilchrist asserted.

“We are in a new era… It has stirred up interest. People are talking. Many who previously had little interest in cricket, let alone Test cricket, have become engaged… It’s undoubtedly beneficial for the game.”

Gilchrist reminisced about Konstas’ exhilarating debut innings, where he sent Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah—regarded as one of the game’s all-time greats—to the boundary multiple times with his signature lap shot.

The dynamic right-hander scored 60 runs off 65 balls on the opening morning of the recent Boxing Day Test, followed by scores of 8, 23, and 22 throughout the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar series.

He was subsequently left out of the team for the tour of Sri Lanka last month as selectors moved Travis Head to open and brought Josh Inglis into the middle order.

“I can’t recall an instance where someone has captivated the cricket world like he did on Boxing Day since Shane Warne, pulling off such extraordinary feats,” Gilchrist affirmed.

“It has certainly generated conversation.”

Jaques, the former Test and NSW opener, expressed confusion regarding the young batter’s approach during Tuesday’s Sheffield Shield broadcast.

“He had substantial success playing relatively conventionally,” Jaques noted.

“It makes sense to take risks against a world-class bowler who is moving the ball, like Boland.”