Australia captain Pat Cummins has thrown his weight behind young opener Sam Konstas, despite the teenager enduring a tough run in the ongoing Frank-Worrell Trophy. The 19-year-old has managed only 33 runs across four innings in the three-match Test series against the West Indies, averaging a modest 8.25.
Konstas was picked ahead of seasoned campaigner Marnus Labuschagne, signalling strong backing from the selectors. However, the youngster has struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions and high-quality pace bowling on offer. With no centuries registered by any batter in the series so far, it’s been a testing time for batters on both sides.
Konstas receives words of encouragement from Cummins
Despite his lean patch, Cummins remains optimistic about Konstas’ long-term potential. “He’s done well. Everyone goes through this phase at the beginning of their Test career. We picked him because we know he’s got the talent,” Cummins said after the second Test in Grenada. “As a young batter, it’s about learning where your runs come from and not treating every innings like it defines your career. Even the best players fail to reach their average most of the time.”
Konstas had announced himself with a blazing 60 off 65 deliveries on debut against India, but has since found consistency hard to come by. His recent scores—8, 23, 22, 3, 5, 25, and 0—have raised questions about his readiness for sustained Test cricket.
With experienced names like Labuschagne and Josh Inglis waiting in the wings, the pressure is beginning to mount on the young opener. As the series approaches its conclusion, Konstas will be eager to justify the faith placed in him and cement his place in Australia’s Test setup.