Sam Konstas struck an unbeaten 151 off 167 balls for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on Wednesday, October 21, sending the Australian selectors a timely reminder of his ability.
The 21-year-old made a fifty and a century across the two innings at the WACA in Perth. NSW took a 101-run first-innings lead and needed quick runs on the third day, and Konstas delivered. He also earned a nod of approval from David Warner as Australia succumbed to 99 all out in the second Test against South Africa.
Konstas shifts gears after the hundred
NSW slipped to 155-5 in the second innings, but Konstas kept the scoreboard moving from one end. He reached his fifth first-class century off 136 balls, then accelerated, scoring his next fifty in just 31 balls.
Konstas hit 15 fours and four sixes and shared an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 107 with Ryan Hicks (35*) before NSW declared. His strike rate was 90.42. The hundred was his first in red-ball cricket in 15 innings.
Earlier in the match, Konstas played a more watchful knock of 71 off 142 deliveries as NSW piled up 440-6. Heading into the fourth day, NSW have reduced Western Australia to 30-3 and need seven more wickets to win, with 334 runs to play.
A Test career yet to take off
Australia earmarked Konstas as the next big thing, and he made a memorable start to his Test career. He ramped Jasprit Bumrah for two fours and a six and made 60 in his debut innings. He ended that series with scores of 8, 23 and 22.
Konstas has played only five Tests, the last of them against West Indies in July 2025. He averages just 16.3 with a solitary fifty.
Warner backs Konstas at number three
Former Australia opener Warner quickly praised the knock and suggested Konstas should bat at three in the Test side, a position currently held by Marnus Labuschagne.
Konstas hundred at the wacca today!! Could bat 3 for aus IMO
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 21, 2026
Given the form of Australia’s batters over the last two years, Warner’s suggestion may not be outrageous. Labuschagne has played 13 Tests since the start of 2025 and averages 22.80 with two fifties. Nic Maddinson, handed the opening role in the ongoing series, has made two ducks and 48 in three innings.