Sam Konstas

{{Short description|Australian cricketer (born 2005)}} {{Redirect|Konstas|the Greek water polo player|Dimitrios Konstas}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}} {{Use Australian English|date=January 2024}} {{Infobox cricketer | name = Sam Konstas | fullname = Sam James Konstas | image = Sam Konstas fielding BGT 2024 (cropped).jpg | caption = Konstas in 2024 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2005|10|2|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[Kogarah, New South Wales]], Australia<ref>{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Chris |date=24 December 2024 |title=Who is Sam Konstas? Australia's 19-year-old set to create history in Boxing Day Test against India |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/sam-konstas-australia-india-boxing-day-test-b2669536.html |work=[[The Independent]] }}</ref> | height = | batting = Right-handed | bowling = | role = [[Batting order (cricket)#Top order|Top-order batter]] | international = true | internationalspan = 2024–present | country = Australia | testdebutdate = 26 December | testdebutyear = 2024 | testdebutagainst = India | testcap = 468 | lasttestdate = 12 July | lasttestyear = 2025 | lasttestagainst = West Indies | club1 = [[New South Wales cricket team|New South Wales]] | year1 = {{nowrap|2023/24–present}} | clubnumber1 = 5 | club2 = [[Sydney Thunder]] | year2 = {{nowrap|2024/25–present}} | clubnumber2 = 5 | hidedeliveries = true | columns = 4

| source = https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/sam-konstas-1393951 ESPNcricinfo | date = 14 March | year = 2026 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[cricket]]}} {{MedalCountry|{{AUS}}}} {{MedalCompetition|[[ICC World Test Championship]]}} {{Medal|RU|[[2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship|2023–2025]]}} }} '''Sam James Konstas''' (born 2 October 2005) is an Australian international [[cricket]]er who plays for the [[Australia national cricket team|Australian national team]], [[New South Wales cricket team|New South Wales]] in the [[Sheffield Shield]] and [[Sydney Thunder]] in the [[Big Bash League]]. He is a right-handed [[Batting order (cricket)#Top order|top-order batter]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/how-chance-meeting-with-aussie-great-at-local-nets-helped-spark-18yo-nsw-prodigys-rapid-rise/news-story/20100f2b6a094eb843640743e5de8a44|title=How chance meeting with Aussie great changed everything for record-breaking rising star|date=6 October 2023|website=Fox Sports}}</ref>

==Early and personal life== Konstas was born in [[Kogarah, New South Wales|Kogarah]], a suburb of the [[St George, Sydney|St. George region]] of [[Southern Sydney]] and is an [[Greek Australians|Australian of Greek descent]].<ref name=run-machine>{{Cite web |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=2024-12-04 |title=A run machine being compared to Ricky Ponting: Meet Sam Konstas|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/a-run-machine-being-compared-to-ricky-ponting-meet-sam-konstas-20241203-p5kvlr.html |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> He attended [[Cranbrook School, Sydney|Cranbrook School]] in [[Eastern Suburbs (Sydney)|Sydney's Eastern Suburbs]], and grew up supporting NRL team [[Wests Tigers]].<ref name="run-machine" />

Konstas has a twin brother called Johnny and played his junior cricket for the Kingsgrove Cricket Club.<ref name="smh1">{{cite news | url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/that-boy-will-play-for-australia-sam-konstas-junior-club-saw-all-this-coming-20250101-p5l1he.html | title='That boy will play for Australia': Sam Konstas' junior club saw all this coming | date=3 January 2025 | agency=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] | accessdate=6 January 2025 | author=Rugari, Vince}}</ref>

In a 2025 interview, Konstas stated that in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL), he supports both [[Collingwood Football Club]] and the [[Sydney Swans]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-21 |title=Caribbean Quiz: Sam Konstas answers fan questions |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/videos/4292822/caribbean-quiz-sam-konstas-answers-fan-questions |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=www.cricket.com.au |language=en}}</ref>

==Domestic career== He made his [[First-class cricket|first-class]] debut against [[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmania]] in [[2023–24 Sheffield Shield season#Round 6|November 2023]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGlashan |first1=Andrew |title=The next generation: who could star in Australia's future? |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-next-generation-who-could-star-in-australia-s-future-1415864 |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=[[ESPN Cricinfo]] |date=7 January 2024}}</ref> In December 2023, Konstas signed his first professional contract for the [[Sydney Thunder]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sydneythunder.com.au/news/3813546/sam-konstas-joins-the-thunder-nation|title=Sam Konstas joins the Thunder Nation |date=8 December 2023|website=Sydney Thunder}}</ref>

Konstas made his first century in [[first-class cricket]] against [[South Australia cricket team|South Australia]] on 8 October 2024, scoring 152 runs off 241 deliveries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sheffield-shield-2024-25-1444468/new-south-wales-vs-south-australia-1st-match-1444492/match-report-1|title=Teen prodigy Konstas posts maiden Shield century for NSW|date=8 October 2024|website=espncricinfo.com}}</ref> Konstas made another century in the second innings of the same match, making him the youngest player to score back-to-back [[Sheffield Shield]] hundreds since [[Ricky Ponting]] in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/10/10/youngest-since-ponting-19-year-old-nsw-prodigy-notches-two-tons-in-the-same/|title=Youngest since Ponting: 19-year-old NSW prodigy notches two tons in the same Shield game|date=10 October 2024|website=sen.com.au}}</ref> He made his [[List A cricket|List A]] debut playing for New South Wales against South Australia on 12 November 2024 during the [[2024–25 One-Day Cup (Australia)|2024–25 One-Day Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SOA vs NSW Cricket Scorecard, 12th Match at Adelaide, November 12, 2024 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/one-day-cup-aus-2024-25-1444469/south-australia-vs-new-south-wales-12th-match-1444481/full-scorecard |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2024, Konstas made his [[Big Bash League]] debut as well as his professional [[Twenty20|T20]] debut playing for [[Sydney Thunder]] against [[Adelaide Strikers]] in the third match of the [[2024–25 Big Bash League season]] at [[Manuka Oval]], [[Canberra]].<ref>{{Cite web |date= 17 December 2024|title=Sam Konstas Announces Arrival in Style, Sets Stage on Fire for Sydney Thunder |url=https://www.probatsman.com/cricket-news/bbl-2024-25-sam-konstas-announces-arrival-in-style-sets-stage-on-fire-for-sydney-thunder |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=ProBatsman |language=en}}</ref> In his debut match, Konstas scored the fastest fifty for the Sydney Thunder in [[Big Bash League]] history, from 20 deliveries.<ref>{{Cite web |date= 17 December 2024|title=Sam Konstas Rewrites History with the Fastest Fifty on Debut for Sydney Thunder |url=https://www.probatsman.com/cricket-news/bbl-2024-25-sam-konstas-rewrites-history-with-the-fastest-fifty-on-debut-for-sydney-thunder |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=ProBatsman |language=en}}</ref> Konstas finished with a score of 56 runs having hit eight fours and two sixes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full Scorecard of Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder, Big Bash League 2024, 3rd Match – Score Report {{!}} ESPN.com.au |url=https://www.espn.com.au/cricket/series/8044/scorecard/1443059/adelaide-strikers-vs-sydney-thunder-3rd-match-big-bash-league-2024-25 |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

==International career==

In July 2023, Konstas was named in the squad of the [[Australia national under-19 cricket team|Australia under-19 team]] for a tour to England against the [[England under-19 cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schout |first1=David |title=Talent-stacked squad picked for U19 tour of England {{!}} cricket.com.au |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3603828/talent-stacked-squad-picked-for-u19-tour-of-england |website=www.cricket.com.au |access-date=9 November 2024 |language=en |date=26 July 2023}}</ref>

In December 2023, Konstas was named as part of the Australian squad for the [[2024 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian squad for 2024 Men's Under 19 World Cup {{!}} cricket.com.au |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/3818998/australian-squad-for-2024-mens-under-19-world-cup |website=www.cricket.com.au |access-date=9 November 2024 |language=en |date=11 December 2023}}</ref> He made a [[century (cricket)|century]] against the [[West Indies under-19 cricket team|West Indies]], scoring 108 from 121 balls.<ref>{{cite web |title=AUS19 vs WI19 Cricket Scorecard, 34th Match, Super Sixes, Group 2 at Kimberley, February 02, 2024 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-under-19-world-cup-2023-24-1399722/australia-under-19s-vs-west-indies-under-19s-34th-match-super-sixes-group-2-1399757/full-scorecard |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=9 November 2024 |language=en |date=2 February 2024}}</ref>

=== India in Australia 2024/25 ===

After a good start to the [[2024–25 Sheffield Shield season]], Konstas was selected for the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2024–25#Tour matches|India A tour of Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-news-sam-konstas-vaults-into-australia-a-squad-after-twin-hundreds-1455205# |title=Sam Konstas vaults into Australia A squad after twin hundreds |date=14 October 2024 |access-date=9 November 2024 |website=espncricinfo.com}}</ref> In the 2nd innings of the second unofficial Test, Konstas scored 73 not out and, alongside teammate [[Beau Webster]], sealed the win. Konstas was then selected for the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2024-25#Tour matches|Prime-Ministers XI]] 1 Dec 2024 match against India A.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sydneythunder.com.au/news/4173182/thunder-duo-named-in-pms-xi |date=21 November 2024 | access-date=13 December 2024 |website=sydneythunder.com.au |title=Thunder duo named in PM's XI | Sydney Thunder }}</ref> In the shortened game of forty six overs per side, Konstas scored 107 off 97 with 14 fours and a six against bowlers such as [[Mohammed Siraj]] and [[Ravindra Jadeja]].

On 20 December 2024, Konstas was named in the Australian 15-man Test squad for the 2024 [[Boxing Day Test]] against India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Konstas, Richardson called up for Boxing Day showdown {{!}} cricket.com.au |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4189059/australia-test-squad-update-sam-konstas-debut-jhye-richardson-recall-boxing-day-mcg-scg-nathan-mcsweeney-khawaja-labuschagne-border-gavaskar-fourth-fifth-test |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=www.cricket.com.au |language=en}}</ref> He had his [[Baggy green]] presented to him by former Australian Captain [[Mark Taylor (cricketer)|Mark Taylor]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/foxcricket/reel/DEBRUT9MD3x/ |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> He was brought in as a replacement to [[Nathan McSweeney]] ahead of the fourth Test match in the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2024–25|Border-Gavaskar series]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Konstas looks 19, behaves 30, and is unfazed about a Test debut at the MCG |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bgt-2024-sam-konstas-not-overthinking-potential-face-off-against-jasprit-bumrah-at-mcg-on-boxing-day-debut-1466317 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Konstas was preferred over McSweeney due to the lack of form for the latter in his debut Test series, having scored just 72 runs across six innings in three Tests (average of 12.00).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-20 |title=Konstas handed Boxing Day Test call-up as changes loom for Australia |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sam-konstas-handed-boxing-day-test-call-up-as-changes-loom-for-australia-1465973 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=Konstas makes his presence felt as selectors mull Test squad |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/australia-news-sam-konstas-makes-his-presence-felt-as-selectors-mull-test-squad-1465788 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

He subsequently made a successful if eventful debut as an opener, scoring a rapid 60 runs, including many unorthodox [[Paddle scoop|ramp]] shots with four fours and two sixes. He reached 50 runs from 52 balls, the third-fastest 50 by an Australian debutant in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite news |title=Head passed fit as Australia reveal XI for Boxing Day {{!}} cricket.com.au |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4190480/pat-cummins-australia-team-xi-news-travis-head-injury-fitness-test-scott-boland-boxing-day-test-india-mcg-melbourne |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=www.cricket.com.au |date=24 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-26 |title=Konstas arrives in all-time Boxing Day session |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/cricket-2024-boxing-day-test-live-blog-australia-v-india-sam-konstas-debut-jasprit-bumrah-toss-scorecard-video-watch-replays-stats/news-story/78899e9ba417297c86e85f96fbdaf753 |access-date=2024-12-26 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Konstas taking on Bumrah 'no surprise' to his coach Tahmid Islam |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bgt-aus-vs-ind-sam-konstas-taking-on-jasprit-bumrah-no-surprise-to-childhood-coach-tahmid-islam-1467004 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-26 |title=Konstas' debut, Bumrah's riposte highlight Boxing Day |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-vs-india-2024-25-1426547/australia-vs-india-4th-test-1426558/match-report-day1 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> During Australia's first innings, former Indian captain [[Virat Kohli]] shoulder bumped him after an over. Kohli was found guilty of breaching the ICC code of conduct and was penalised 20% of his match fee and the loss of one demerit point.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kohli fined 20% of match fees after heated altercation with Konstas at MCG |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/aus-vs-ind-bgt-virat-kohli-sam-konstas-in-mid-pitch-altercation-at-mcg-1466566 |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

His next test at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]] was less effective on the field, being dismissed for 23 and 22 runs on the way to an Australian match and series win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-03 |title=Australia vs India, 5th Test at Sydney, AUS vs IND, Jan 03 2025 – Match Result |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-vs-india-2024-25-1426547/australia-vs-india-5th-test-1426559/live-cricket-score |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=espnCricinfo |language=en-GB}}</ref> Although he was involved in a verbal incident with Indian bowler [[Jasprit Bumrah]] in the final over of Day 1, after his opening partner [[Usman Khawaja]] was accused of wasting time. After Bumrah dismissed Khawaja shortly after, Bumrah and other Indian players were seen to celebrate towards Konstas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-03 |title=Australia v India: Sam Konstas 'under India's skin' after fiery finish in Sydney |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cpdn0x80xeqo |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Video: Jasprit Bumrah Makes Usman Khawaja Pay For Sam Konstas' Mistake As Tempers Flare {{!}} Cricket News |url=https://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2024-25/jasprit-bumrah-virat-kohlis-aggressive-act-as-sam-konstas-pokes-india-pacer-again-wach-7390004 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=NDTVSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-03 |title=DRAMA! Jasprit Bumrah has heated exchange with Sam Konstas, India skipper then glares him down – Watch |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-australia/jasprit-bumrah-has-heated-exchange-with-sam-konstas-india-skipper-then-glares-him-down/articleshow/116907328.cms |access-date=2025-01-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bumrah vs Konstas continues to enliven Border-Gavaskar Trophy |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/aus-vs-ind-bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-vs-sam-konstas-continues-to-enliven-border-gavaskar-trophy-1467598 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-03 |title=To see Jasprit Bumrah fired up is rare: Sanjay Manjrekar on Sam Konstas battle |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/to-see-jasprit-bumrah-fired-up-is-rare-sanjay-manjrekar-on-sam-konstas-battle-2659377-2025-01-03 |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

=== Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 ===

In January 2025, Konstas was named in Australia's squad for their two-match [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2024–25|Test series against Sri Lanka]]. However, he was not selected in either match of the series and was released mid-tour to play in the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/4195815/australia-test-squad-sri-lanka-tour-kuhnemann-mcsweeney-connolly-cummins-absent-smith-captain|title=WA youngster Connolly bolts into Test squad for Sri Lanka tour |work=Cricket.com.au}}</ref>

=== World Test Championship Final 2025 ===

In May 2025, Konstas was named in Australia's squad for the one-off [[2025 ICC World Test Championship Final|Test match against South Africa]]. Although he was not selected to play in the starting XI, he was a substitute fielder for Australia when [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] left the field with a broken finger.<ref>{{cite web|title=WTC Final: Steve Smith Leaves Field With Finger Injury During AUS vs SA Final At Lord's |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/wtc-final-steve-smith-finger-injury-update-australia-vs-south-africa-match-scorecard-smith-leaves-field-at-lords-test-cricket-updates-10244877 |work=thedailyjagran.com}}</ref>

=== Tour of West Indies 2025 ===

In June 2025, Konstas was selected in Australia's starting XI in place of [[Marnus Labuschagne]] for the first test of their three-match [[Australian cricket team in West Indies in 2025|Test series against West Indies]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Marnus Labuschagne dropped, Steven Smith ruled out of first West Indies Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wi-vs-aus-2025-marnus-labuschagne-dropped-steven-smith-ruled-out-of-first-west-indies-test-1490943 |work=www.espncricinfo.com}}</ref> In the first test Konstas struggled, making scores of just three and five on an inconsistent pitch in Bridgetown, Barbados. He lost both his wickets to fast bowler [[Shamar Joseph]].<ref>{{cite web|title=West Indies vs Australia, first Test: Rocky road looms for tourists after another disastrous top order display |url=https://www.codesports.com.au/cricket/west-indies-vs-australia-first-test-latest-news-scores-from-day-two-in-bridgetown/live-coverage/0528c57669a65fd30c307952134a6dd2 |work=www.codesports.com.au}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{cricinfo|id=1393951}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Konstas, Sam}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:2005 births]] [[Category:Cricketers from Sydney]] [[Category:Sydney Thunder cricketers]] [[Category:New South Wales cricketers]] [[Category:Australian people of Greek descent]] [[Category:Sportspeople of Greek descent]] [[Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen]] [[Category:Australia Test cricketers]] [[Category:People educated at Cranbrook School, Sydney]] [[Category:Australian twins]]