Sam Konstas hit a blistering 151 not out from 167 balls for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday, October 21, sending the Australian selectors a timely reminder of his ability.
Konstas turns the game on day three
The 21-year-old scored a century and a fifty across two innings for NSW at the WACA, Perth. NSW took a 101-run lead in the first innings and needed a quick-fire knock on the third day. Konstas delivered. He also earned a nod of approval from David Warner on a day when Australia collapsed to 99 all out in the second Test against South Africa.
NSW found themselves in a slight spot of bother at 155-5 in their second innings. Konstas kept the scoreboard ticking from one end and completed his fifth first-class century off 136 balls. Once he reached three figures, he changed gears rapidly and scored the next fifty in just 31 balls.
Konstas hit 15 fours and four sixes and finished with a strike rate of 90.42. He shared an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 107 with Ryan Hicks (35*) before NSW declared. It was his first red-ball hundred in 15 innings.
Earlier in the match, Konstas played a more watchful hand, making 71 off 142 deliveries as NSW piled up 440-6. Heading into the fourth day, NSW have reduced Western Australia to 30-3. They need seven more wickets to win, with 334 runs to play.
Test career yet to take off
Australia earmarked Konstas as the next big thing, and he made a memorable start to his Test career. He ramped Jasprit Bumrah for two fours and a six and made 60 in his debut innings. He ended that series with scores of 8, 23 and 22.
Konstas has played only five Tests, the last of which came against West Indies in July 2025. He averages just 16.3 with a solitary fifty.
Warner backs Konstas at number three
Former Australia opener Warner was quick to praise the knock. He advocated for Konstas to bat at three in the Test side, a position currently occupied by Marnus Labuschagne.
“Konstas hundred at the wacca today!! Could bat 3 for aus IMO,” Warner wrote on social media.
The suggestion might not be outrageous given the form of Australia’s batters over the last two years. Labuschagne has played 13 Tests since the start of 2025 and averages 22.80 with two fifties. Nic Maddinson, who received the opening role in the ongoing series, has made two ducks and 48 in three innings.