What Must Sam Konstas Learn on the Job? Insights from Hussey

New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey believes that young Test opener Sam Konstas will require time to adapt following a challenging performance in the inaugural Test against the West Indies in Barbados.

Konstas struggled against Shamar Joseph’s intense opening spells, getting dismissed twice and scoring merely 3 and 5 runs.

The 19-year-old had a promising start to his international journey last summer, where he impressed with a swift half-century against India at the MCG, but has since struggled to reach fifty in five consecutive Test innings.

With Steve Smith unavailable due to injury and Marnus Labuschagne omitted, Australia’s inexperienced top order faltered on a lively pitch in Bridgetown, falling to 3-22 and then 4-65 before the middle order stabilized the innings.

“The batting conditions were quite challenging, with uneven bounce and lateral movement. (Konstas) is still very young, just 19. He’s in the process of understanding his game, especially at the Test level, which is very different from what he’s accustomed to. I doubt he has faced pitches as challenging as those in the West Indies,” he told Fox Cricket.

“This serves as crucial learning for him, and we need to exercise patience. It will take time, and he must learn as he plays. There’s no doubt he possesses significant talent. I anticipate a rocky road, especially in the initial years, but let's hope the journey sees more successes than failures,” he added.

Hussey noted that Konstas appears to be grappling with an identity crisis at the crease, as he seems “a bit uncertain” about how to bat effectively in unfamiliar conditions against new opponents.

“It’s a tough challenge for a young player with limited first-class experience to perform at the Test level,” Hussey commented.

“A strong technique is essential to navigate tough early spells, getting the shine off the ball, and finding the balance between absorbing pressure while also scoring and exerting pressure back on the bowlers.

“Generally, his technique appears solid. The mental aspect is where he seems uncertain, likely due to the unfamiliar conditions in the West Indies.

Hussey also highlighted Konstas' vulnerability to inswinging deliveries, noting how Shamar Joseph trapped him leg-before in the first innings.

“He seems to struggle against the ball coming back at him. I believe teams will aim for deliveries targeting the stumps for LBW and bowled. He could refine that aspect of his game, but his overall technique is quite sound,” the former batter commented.

With Smith's return for the second Test in Grenada, Australia will be hopeful for an improved top-order performance to clinch the three-match series.