Sam Konstas. (Source – Getty Images)
Teenager Sam Konstas has etched his name into the rich cricketing legacy of Sheffield Shield cricket, placing himself alongside Ricky Ponting as the third-youngest to record two tons in the same Shield game. Konstas scored 105 in New South Wales’ second innings against South Australia in the ongoing Sheffield Shield.
Ponting, Australia’s most successful Test skipper to date, tops the charts. Representing Tasmania against Western Australia in the 1992-93 season of the Shield, he achieved the prestigious feat as an 18-year-old. Konstas stands third behind Ponting and Archie Jackson, defeating Donald Bradman who was the first to achieve the landmark at the age of 20.
Konstas, meanwhile, seemed sharply concentrated on the task at hand and shared thow he had to adapt to the line of strategy the bowlers of SA had in place for him.
“Obviously, very special! But hopefully, we get the job done tomorrow and keep doing our basics well. They had different plans, they were bowling a wider line. I had to be a bit ruthless and cop my medicine a bit,” stated Konstas, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
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NSW in pole position as SA face uphill task on final day
With NSW declaring at 282/6, SA had to endure a rugged spell of eight overs. Henry Hunt survived till stumps but it was not to be for Conor McInerney, who was ensnared by Nathan Lyon in the sixth over to take the long walk back to the hut after copping a 17-ball duck.
It will be up to the international regulars Alex Carey and Travis Head to draw their side close to the target come the final day at Cricket Central in Sydney. Carey would want to redeem himself after he could not hold on to a sitter to dismiss Konstas at the start of Day 3.
Lyon, who will be teeming with confidence post his first innings fifer, will look to add to his tally as the game is poised for an intriguing final day’s play.