Sam Konstas’ bid to impress selectors ahead of next year’s Ashes began on a tough note in Perth, as the 20-year-old was dismissed for just four on day one of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.
Batting in lively morning conditions at the WACA, Konstas had to contend with sharp movement off the surface and plenty of swing through the air.
Western Australia’s Joel Paris, in the midst of a superb opening spell, trapped the right-hander leg before in the seventh over after earlier beating him repeatedly on the inside edge.
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Weatherald steadies Tasmania after early collapse
While Konstas’ stay was brief, Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald enjoyed a more fruitful return, crafting a fluent 67 from 99 balls against Queensland at Allan Border Field. The Tigers were in early strife at 3-33 before Weatherald combined with skipper Jordan Silk to rebuild the innings with an 80-run stand.
Weatherald was offered a reprieve on three when Usman Khawaja dropped a straightforward chance at slip, and he made the most of it, reaching his half-century before falling to Michael Neser, who took a sharp return catch.
Since the start of last season, the left-hander has averaged nearly 58 in first-class cricket for Tasmania and Australia, numbers that have kept him firmly in the Test selection conversation.