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Usman Khawaja explained how he Sam Konstas displaying his arrogance but also having an endearing side to himself as well.
Australia’s top-order woes saw a turnaround once Sam Konstas made his way into the side. (Image: AFP)
Australia’s veteran batter, Usman Khawaja opened up on his brief experience of opening the innings with the young 19-year-old sensation, Sam Konstas after the side went on to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with the win in the fifth Test at Sydney.
Khawaja explained how he liked the youngster displaying his arrogance but also having an endearing side to himself as well.
“I’ve never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He’s a very lovable character. He’s got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face,” Khawaja said on ABC Sport after the series came to an end.
The youngster finished the series having played two Tests, scoring 113 runs at an average of 28.25. His best knock came on debut where scored 60 runs in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne to give the Aussies a major boost.
Konstas showed no fear in taking on the opposition, even India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah who was seemingly unplayable for most of the series. He showed no fear, attempting the most ridiculous shots against the best-quality bowlers.
Australia’s top-order looked far from their best before the addition of Konstas. Nathan McSweeney was handed the debut at the top of the order after an impressive knock for Australia A. But he was not able to bring in similar results in the series which saw the selectors opt for a different approach to give them the advantage.
This kind of aggression gave the Aussies a boost in momentum which turned the tides in their favour to get the series victory, ending their decade-long wait for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and also securing their spot in the World Test Championship final for the second consecutive season to defend their title.
Konstas now looks to be the guy that will be Australia’s opening batter in the longest format and it remains to be seen if he would play with the same kind of aggression throughout his career, much like his predecessor, the legendary David Warner.
With Khawaja coming to the end of his career, it will also be interesting to see if McSweeney would make a return or if Australia would look at another option to partner Konstas at the top of the order.
- Location :
Sydney, Australia
