Sam Konstas

Konstas made a career-best 173 for New South Wales against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, facing 272 balls and hitting 18 boundaries. The innings strengthened his case for a Test recall before the squad for the first Test against New Zealand is named, and former Australian captain Greg Chappell said he always expected the opener to bounce back.

Konstas scored a second century in four days, this time leading New South Wales to a one-day win. The knock came after a fast-scoring Sheffield Shield innings in the same week, adding to a strong run of form for the batter.

Konstas hit an unbeaten 151 in a rapid Sheffield Shield innings against Western Australia that put the visitors under pressure. Coverage described the innings as a sign of renewed clarity in his batting.

Cricket Australia omitted Sam Konstas from its 2026-27 full contract list after a difficult run of form. Coverage said selectors still viewed him as part of the long-term plans, and the omission was treated as a setback rather than an end to his international prospects.

Sam Konstas was assessed in media coverage at the start of 2026 as a promising but still developing Test opener after his eye-catching debut against India in late 2024. Reports noted that he had not yet fully cemented a regular place in the side and was expected to keep working on consistency against high-level pace bowling.