Fleming: Konstas has bolstered his standing, set to represent Australia
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New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Former Australian fast bowler Damien Fleming asserts that young batsman Sam Konstas has significantly bolstered his standing by scoring a century for the Prime Minister's XI against India in the pink-ball match on Sunday. He expressed confidence that Konstas could soon make his debut for the national team if Marnus Labuschagne struggles to regain his form.
During the pink-ball warm-up match at Manuka Oval, Konstas showcased his skills by scoring 107 runs off 96 balls against a formidable Indian bowling lineup featuring Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja. Previously, he had scored 73 not out against India A at the MCG last month.
"What I admire about Sam's performance yesterday is that he enhanced his reputation, and that's what matters most. It was outstanding from him. He will play; the only question is when, whether it’s this summer or later," Fleming stated on SEN Radio.
Fleming, feeling as an Aussie fan and commentator, expressed that it may not happen this summer due to others scoring heavily. However, he noted that if Labuschagne continues to falter, he could foresee Konstas stepping in for him.
Australia is set to face India in the second Test during a day-night match at the Adelaide Oval starting on December 6. Following a 295-run loss in Perth, which left Australia trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, Fleming highlighted that the top-order batting is their primary concern, especially with Labuschagne's lack of form and Nathan McSweeney filling in as an opener.
"My concern with the Australian team is that there are not many batsmen who are unjustly left out of the squad, which is unfortunate. Ideally, you'd want three or four batsmen knocking on the door for selection," he said.
"I have concerns about our top three. It's hard to envision a nation being dominant over time without having a robust engine room – as Langer, Hayden, and Ponting would refer to themselves – absolutely solidified. You need at least two of the three to score runs in every innings, and for me, Usman is likely the only true opener in this lineup. I hope Nathan McSweeney proves us wrong; I've always viewed him as a potential Test player, but more as a replacement for Steven Smith at number four," he concluded.
