By Tom Decent
Sam Konstas’ bid to cement his place at the top of Australia’s order this summer suffered a setback when he was dismissed for just four in his first Sheffield Shield innings of the season.
The 20-year-old, returning from a promising Australia A tour of India, lasted 25 balls against Western Australia on day one in Perth.
On a tricky pitch offering plenty of sideways movements for WA opening bowlers Joel Paris and Matthew Kelly, Konstas tried to leave as much as he could to begin his innings.
A crisp cover drive moved Konstas from one to four before he was dropped by WA wicketkeeper Joel Curtis off the bowling of Kelly.
Next over, Paris sent down a beautiful inswinger that cannoned into Konstas’ pad and had him trudging back to the pavilion for four.
Konstas, the incumbent Australian opener, endured a lean tour of the West Indies earlier this year, managing just 50 runs from six innings.
Sam Konstas after being dismissed for four on Saturday in Perth. Credit: Getty Images
He responded with a century against India A last month, but selectors have made clear Shield form will carry the most weight heading into the Ashes opener against England on November 21 in Perth.
Elsewhere, Nathan McSweeney made a 21-ball duck for South Australia, while Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald was removed for 67 after being dropped by Usman Khawaja on three.
More to come