Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has urged the team management to select Sam Konstas as an opener for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The two-match series is set to begin on January 29 in Galle, and Ponting has expressed his support for Konstas to retain his spot at the top of the order following a standout debut performance in the fourth Test against India in their recent five-match series.
The 19-year-old made a significant impact with an aggressive 60 off 65 balls, impressively taking on India’s pace leader, Jasprit Bumrah, and even reverse scooping him for boundaries. Ponting believes Konstas has earned the right to be picked for the playing XI based on his brilliant debut display.
“I believe Konstas will be the one they choose, and I think it’s the right decision. He’s the player they’ve identified, and he’s made an immediate impact in his first series. He brought a lot of excitement and energy to the whole event. Honestly, they need to pick him. It’s a challenging environment to play in, and it’s tough to come away with a win,” Ponting told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Additionally, the former captain recognized the challenge that Sri Lanka’s pitches will present to Australia’s batters and emphasized that it will be an excellent learning opportunity for the young Konstas.
“It’s going to be difficult for all our players, but especially for the younger ones who haven’t faced these conditions before. However, I think it would be a valuable learning opportunity for him. If I were on the selection panel, I’d definitely be choosing him,” he added.
Although Australia has already secured a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, where they will face South Africa, the upcoming series against Sri Lanka holds little bearing on the WTC standings. Nevertheless, the Aussies will be eager to extend their dominance over Sri Lanka and claim their fifth series win in the island nation, a feat they last achieved in 2011.
