NEWS
Follow UsNew South Wales’ teenage sensation Sam Konstas has played all of five first-class games, but the 19-year-old is sensationally in the mix to feature in the five-Test series against India after being named in the Australia ‘A’ squad for the two unofficial Tests against India ‘A’ starting October 31.
Konstas, who played in the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, hit twin centuries against South Australia in the first round of the Sheffield Shield last week. By doing so, he became the youngest Australian this century to score twin centuries in a Shield game.
The timely showing has helped the youngster bolt into the Australia ‘A’ squad, which also features two other openers gunning for a spot in the India Tests: Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris.
The two unofficial Tests will be a batting showdown between the three openers for the vacant opening slot as it has been confirmed that Steve Smith will be moving down the order for the India Tests.
The Australia ‘A’ squad also features Beau Webster, who was the highest run-getter in the Shield last season. A good showing from Webster could see him bolt into the squad for the India Tests as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Off-spinner Todd Murphy has been picked but as has Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli, who was the highest wicket-taking spinner in the Shield last season.
Rocchiccioli has been rewriting history in Perth with his off-spin, and he told Cricket.com earlier this month that he has the belief that he can succeed at the highest level.
“I don’t know if I’m ready for Test cricket because I’ve never played at that level. But I have the self-belief that if I’m given the opportunity, I can hold my own,” Rocchiccioli said.
“History suggests that I grow really fast and learn a lot. I’m sure if the opportunity comes up, it might take me one or two games to hit the ground running, but I’m a really good learner. Am I ready? I’m not sure. But I have the full belief that I can succeed at the highest level.”
READ: Meet Corey Rocchiccioli, the off-spinning sensation rewriting history in Perth
The squad, which features Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson and Josh Philippe among others, will be led by South Australia’s Nathan McSweeney, who hit a sensational match-saving ton in the first round of the Shield last week.
The first unofficial Test will be played from October 31 to November 3 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground will host the second game from November 7.
Australia ‘A’ squad for India ‘A’ series
Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster
