Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting wants Sam Konstas to open for Australia for Sri Lanka tests.
With Australia having already secured a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa, they can approach the Sri Lanka series with a relaxed mindset.
Konstas has been named in the Australia squad after a stunning performance during the Border Gavaskar trophy. However, Australia’s chief selector has revealed that Travis Head is likely to return to the opening slot which questions Konstas’ position in the playing 11.
Ponting believes that Sam Konstas who impressed during his debut against India in the Boxing Day test, deserves a chance in the playing 11 for the Sri Lanka series.
“I think they will pick Konstas and I think they should pick Konstas. He is the one they have identified, he has hit the ground running here in his first innings as well.”
“He provided a lot of entertainment and a lot of buzz around that whole series. I think they need to play him, to be honest. It is a hard place to play and a hard place to win,” said Ponting.
The former captain has acknowledged the threat in Sri Lanka pitches will pose to the Australia batters and mentioned that it will be a great learning experience for young Konstas.
“It will be a hard place to bat for all of our guys, but especially some of the younger guys who have not experienced those conditions much in the past.”
“But I think they should pick him, it will be a great learning experience for him. I would be picking him if I was a selector,” he added.
Australia have already qualified for the ICC WTC Championship final where they will be facing the first time finalist South Africa.
Hence, the upcoming series does not have any impact for the Aussies in terms of WTC standings. However, the defending champions will be eager to defeat Sri Lanka after their last win in 2011.
The first match of the Sri Lanka-Australia tests will begin on January 29 at Galle International Stadium.
