Sheffield Shield 2024/25, Match 16 New South Wales vs Western Australia, Day 1, Sydney Match Report, December 6-9, 2024

New South Wales 97 for 0 (Konstas 55*, Nikitaras 29*) Western Australia 211 (Inglis 41, Edwards 5-41, Bird 3-48) 114 runs

Konstas was left speechless on the first day of his Shield clash with Western Australia, not out for 55, with New South Wales 97 for 0 in reply to the visitors’ 211 at the SCG on Friday.

On a day when the ball turned and no other player reached the half-century, Konstas looked completely calm as he surpassed 50 for the fifth time this summer.

The 19-year-old took on spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, hitting him on the head with two separate sixes and nudging him with another four.

He clipped Cameron Gannon for a point from four behind, drove him for another past mid-wicket and then made quick work of another over mid-wicket later in the day.

Full of confidence, Konstas even tried to catch sprinter Lance Morris, but failed in one of the few failed moments of his day. The right-hander’s runs were also quick, facing just 64 balls before the Blues ran out of steam.

The innings continues another purple patch for Konstas, who stood out with two tons against South Australia at the start of the season.

Just five days ago, Konstas hit 107 off 97 balls against a Test-quality Indian attack, playing for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

He then returned to Sydney and told the media in his first full press conference that he wanted to get the chance to wear the Baggy Green as soon as possible.

“I really want to get the chance,” Konstas said on Wednesday when asked if he felt ready for Test cricket or perhaps needed more time at domestic level.

“I love being challenged and I hope that can happen soon.

“I feel like I’m in a good place mentally. It’s been the best few months I’ve ever had and I hope one day I can represent my country.”

If Konstas converts his half-century into three figures on Saturday in the final Shield round before the BBL break, he will certainly help that cause.

Australia’s top flight has entered the pink ball test in Adelaide under pressure, following its poor results in Perth last week.

He top-scored with 41 for Western Australia, looking more confident as he progressed in his first red-ball game since October 23.