Sam Konstas struck an unbeaten 151 off 167 balls for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday, October 21, sending the Australian selectors a timely reminder of his capabilities.
Konstas makes a strong statement at the WACA
The 21-year-old backed up a first-innings 71 with a century in the second innings at the WACA in Perth. NSW held a 101-run first-innings lead and needed a quick-fire knock on the third day. Konstas delivered. He also earned a nod of approval from David Warner after Australia collapsed to 99 all out in the second Test against South Africa.
NSW stood in slight trouble at 155-5 in their second innings, but Konstas kept the scoreboard ticking from one end. He completed his fifth first-class century off 136 balls. After reaching three figures, he changed gears and smashed the next fifty in just 31 balls.
Konstas hit 15 fours and four sixes and finished with a strike rate of 90.42. He added an unbroken 107 runs for the sixth wicket with Ryan Hicks (35 not out) before NSW declared. It was his first red-ball hundred in 15 innings.
Match situation
Earlier in the match, Konstas made 71 off 142 deliveries in a more watchful manner as NSW piled up 440-6. Heading into the fourth day, NSW have reduced the opposition to 30-3. They need seven more wickets to win, with 334 runs to play.
Test career so far
Konstas was earmarked as the next big thing in Australian cricket. He made a memorable start to his Test career, ramping Jasprit Bumrah for two fours and a six on the way to 60 in his debut innings. He ended that series with scores of 8, 23 and 22.
He has played only five Tests so far, the last of them against West Indies in July 2025. He averages just 16.3 with a solitary fifty.
Warner wants Konstas at number three
Former Australia opener Warner quickly praised the knock and advocated for Konstas to bat at three in the Test side, a spot currently held by Marnus Labuschagne.
Warner wrote: “Konstas hundred at the wacca today!! Could bat 3 for aus IMO.”
The suggestion may not be outrageous given the form of Australia’s batters over the last two years. Labuschagne has played 13 Tests since the start of 2025 and averages 22.80 with two fifties. Nic Maddinson, handed the opening role in the ongoing series, has made two ducks and 48 in three innings.