NSW coach says Konstas improving shot selection and game awareness
What's the story
New South Wales's veteran coach Greg Shipperd has advised young cricketer Sam Konstas to adopt a more consistent batting style.
However, Shipperd believes the teenager is finding the right balance in his game.
The coach expressed confidence on Thursday that Konstas would rejoin Australia's Test squad for June's ICC World Championship final against South Africa after missing recent matches in Sri Lanka.
"That means to me he's listening and he's learning," Shipperd stated as per AAP.
Here's more.
Challenges
Konstas's batting style under scrutiny
Konstas has been a standout performer since his dual centuries for NSW in October.
His unique batting style caught national attention when he disrupted Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah's rhythm on his Test debut on Boxing Day.
However, this approach drew criticism, especially after his failed slog-sweep against Scott Boland in a Shield match last month.
The incident cast doubt on his Test Championship final return amid strong competition at Lord's.
Growth
Shipperd commends Konstas's adaptability
Responding to criticism, Konstas avoided aggressive shots in his first 30 balls against Victoria.
He then scored a half-century off 107 deliveries, helping NSW secure a draw in Perth last week.
"I'm not sure he planned that [aggressive approach to Boland], I think it just unfolded in that particular moment," Shipperd said about Konstas's performance.
"With discussions and reconsideration of what a batting plan looks like, he's made some adjustments."
Coach's perspective
Shipperd emphasizes importance of learning and adaptability
Further, Shipperd emphasized on adaptability being the key in Konstas's career, adding that it shows he's listening and learning.
He also said he would be surprised if Australian selectors weren't looking at him as an opening option for the World Test Championship final.
The coach has kept in regular contact with Australia coach Andrew McDonald and selectors, emphasizing that Konstas is still developing his game.
Consistency
Shipperd advocates for a consistent approach
Shipperd has observed that Konstas's aggressive style of batting has worked at times. But he thinks a more consistent approach is required.
"Finding the right time in the innings and also considering what the team needs at that particular moment," he explained.
"We're encouraged that he's learning each game and he's considering all of these issues as each innings unfolds for him."
Numbers
Konstas owns 939 First-Class runs
As mentioned, with his fighting knock of 50, the batter has now raced to 939 First-Class cricket runs.
Across 16 matches he averages 34.77 and boasts a high score of 152. According to ESPNcricinfo, he also owns two hundreds and five half-centuries in 28 innings.
Additionally, 113 of his FC runs have come for Australia in Tests.
The 19-year-old also owns a fifty in Test cricket, which he smashed against India on his debut in 2024.