Sam Konstas wins Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award
What's the story
Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old prodigy, has been awarded the prestigious Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award at the Australian Cricket Awards 2025.
The award is a recognition of his phenomenal debut season on the international stage, where he exhibited both extraordinary talent and fearless determination.
Konstas first came into the limelight after his Test debut against India in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Test debut
Aggressive approach against India
Konstas's aggressive approach against the formidable Jasprit Bumrah and a heated moment with Virat Kohli, made headlines during his Test debut in Melbourne.
His fearless batting style was on full display during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where he scored 60 off 65 balls against India's world-class pace attack.
A daring scoop shot against Bumrah underscored his confidence at this elite level of cricket.
Series highlight
Impact and performance in India series
A shoulder bump with Kohli after taking a sharp single, resulted in a fine for the Indian, only adding to Konstas's impact in the series.
Despite Australia's struggles, his fearless batting shone and earned him praises from cricketing legends.
Over the summer, Konstas has scored 471 runs including two centuries in First-Class cricket.
Gratitude
Konstas credits coaches and seniors for guidance
On receiving the award, Konstas thanked his coaches and senior players. He said, "Their guidance has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of international cricket."
However, despite his meteoric rise and stellar performance, he was not picked in the squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka.
The selection decision led to a debate among cricket fans and former players like Ricky Ponting.
Award recipients
Other winners at the Australian Cricket Awards 2025
The Australian Cricket Awards 2025 also honored other rising stars.
Chloe Ainsworth, another 19-year-old cricketer, won the Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award for her phenomenal performances with Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers.
Beau Webster was awarded Men's Domestic Player of the Year for his brilliant season with Tasmania, while Georgia Voll won the Women's Domestic Player of the Year award after a stunning summer for Queensland and a successful debut with the Australian national team.