Australia to drop Sam Konstas after just two Tests against India

Australian opening batter Sam Konstas’ dream run in Test cricket is likely to end after two matches against India as the the selectors are considering a new opening combination for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The management and the selection committee are thinking of promoting Travis Head to counter sub-continent conditions.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports, the selectors are not pleased with the way Head has batted against the spinners and they feel the best position for him is to open the innings as spinners don’t have much say with the new ball and the southpaw can be impactful against the pacers.

Head batted in the middle order during Australia’s previous tour of Sri Lanka and scored 23 runs in three innings as against average of 7.67. His poor numbers led to his removal from the playing XI in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Nagpur in 2023.

Matt Renshaw replaced him but Head got another chance when David Warner was injured. He opened the innings and scored 235 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 68.71 in three matches.

He was magnificent with the bat against India in India. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas scored a well compiled 60 runs off 65 runs in his maiden Test innings in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He was added to the squad for the last two games against India after Nathan McSweeney failed to impress with the bat. However, Sri Lanka will prepare rank-turners and the conditions may force the team to go for a new combination.

Australia have qualified for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, where they will clash with South Africa. They are likely to rest Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for Sri Lanka series.

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