Sam Konstas will get another look at England later this month, his name popping up again in the Prime Minister’s XI for the two-day, day-night match in Canberra on 29–30 November.
The 20-year-old opener headlines a squad that leans heavily on emerging batting talent. Alongside him sit Ollie Peake, Campbell Kellaway and Under-19 captain Hugh Weibgen. Nathan McSweeney, who played three Tests against India last summer, adds a splash of recent international experience. Peter Handscomb will skipper; old-hand quick Peter Siddle supplies the know-how with the pink ball.
Konstas understands exactly what this fixture can do. Twelve months ago, he belted 107 from 97 balls against India, a knock that shoved him into the Test side later in the season. Things cooled off in the Caribbean and his first four Sheffield Shield outings this spring have produced just 161 runs at 20.12, yet another solid display now could move him back up the pecking order.
Kellaway’s early-season numbers are harder to ignore. Opening for Victoria he has 317 runs at 39.62, capped by a calm half-century while Mitchell Starc was tearing in at the SCG. State coach Chris Rogers didn’t bother to hide his enthusiasm. “It’s proven once again he could be the successor to Khawaja. He’s going to do fantastic things in his career,” Rogers said. “I spoke to Campbell about it after and he wouldn’t have faced that challenge throughout his career.
“But if he’s going to go on and play international cricket then he will have to face things like that, where tall, fast bowlers are kind of aiming at his front shoulder.
“So that’s something that he’s going to have to work on, the positions he gets into. But to come out and get 50 and line the ball up so well against Starc and Hazlewood, I thought that was a real tick.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese liked what he saw on paper. “This team showcases the depth of talent in our domestic cricket system, and I’m particularly excited to see some of our emerging stars earn this opportunity.
“I am also looking forward to the Ashes commencing in Perth from 21 November, it’s the oldest rivalry in world cricket – Australia and England in an Ashes Series always means something extra.”
The match, wedged between the first and second Tests, gives England a handy pink-ball tune-up at Manuka Oval—often skiddy under lights, flatter once the lacquer rubs off.
Prime Minister’s XI squad: Peter Handscomb (capt), Benji Floros, Campbell Kellaway, Campbell Thompson, Charlie Anderson, Doug Warren, Hugh Weibgen, Joel Curtis, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peake, Peter Siddle, Sam Konstas, Sam Skelly.
