Sam Konstas has sent a timely reminder to Australian selectors, blasting a brilliant century for the Prime Minister’s XI against Indiaon Sunday afternoon.
The teenage sensation was in the mix for a Test spot before ultimately being overlooked in favour of South Australia’s Nathan McSweeney for the vacant opener role.
However, after a horror performance in the series opener at Optus Stadium, pressure is mounting on Australia’s top order, with Konstas giving the decision-makers some food for thought after belting India’s bowling attack
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India’s quicks tore through the PM’s XI top and middle-order bar Konstas’ efforts.
He reached triple figures off just 90 balls at Manuka Oval, facing the likes of Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj with the pink ball.
The 19-year-old also produced one of the most incredible reverse ramp shots to dispatch Akash Deep to the boundary.
Konstas was eventually dismissed on 107 runs from 97 balls after being caught by the sub off an Akash Deep delivery.
Matt Renshaw’s hopes of an Aussie recall were dashed after being dismissed for 5, while the in-form Jayden Goodwin failed to fire and was out for 4.
Ollie Davies and Sam Harper were both out for ducks as Rana showed his class, taking four wickets off the back of an impressive Test debut in Perth.
Australia was all out for 240 runs after 43.2 overs with the tourists chasing under lights.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test because of personal reasons, was named to play as he eyes off a return in Adelaide.
Mounting a successful run chase with 19 balls to spare, India won by 6 wickets.
With six batters scoring over 20 runs a piece, only Sharma faltered after being removed on 3 off 11.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul retired not out to give their teammates a run with the pink ball ahead of the second Test in Adelaide.
The match was initially meant to be a two-day fixture before rain swept through Canberra and reduced it to a one-day tour game.