IND vs AUS: Brett Lee backs names Australia's openers for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has thrown his support behind 19-year-old sensation Sam Konstas to open the innings alongside veteran Usman Khawaja for Australia in the much-anticipated five-match Test series against India.

With Australia still struggling with the unsettled opening pair following David Warner's retirement, Sam Konstas has emerged as a potential solution for the Kangaroos ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at home.

Brett Lee backs Sam Konstas to open with Usman Khawaja for Australia against India

Steve Smith failed to deliver as a Test opener, and with Cameron Green ruled out for the summer, the Australia cricket team is in desperate need of Khawaja’s partner at the top of the batting order ahead of the high-octane Test series against the Indian cricket team, starting next month in Perth.

Konstas, despite being a teenager, has turned heads with his remarkable performances in the Sheffield Shield, including consecutive centuries that have made him a standout contender to succeed David Warner.

His rapid rise through the ranks, combined with strong mentorship from former legends including Shane Watson, has made him a serious candidate for the opening position, according to pace legend Lee.

Brett Lee becomes a fan of young batting sensation Sam Konstas

Brett Lee said on the Fox Cricket podcast 'The Follow On': “It is not because he is wearing a blue cap and I am a proud New South Welshmen, but he has had a fantastic start to his First Class career. To make two hundred back-to-back—he has only played a handful of Sheffield Shield matches, but I have kept a close eye on him for the last couple of years.”

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 just around the corner, all eyes are on the selectors as they contemplate whether the young prodigy will be the one to step up and tackle India's formidable bowling attack. However, Lee has full confidence in the teenager to shine on home soil.

Sam Konstas is a player of the future: Brett Lee

Brett Lee further explained, “He has come through the ranks and done very, very well from under-19 cricket to get into the Sheffield Shield squad under some good guidance as well. He has been doing a lot of work with Shane Watson, and I am very good friends with ‘Watto'—he has had a bit of a keen eye on him—and a lot of the guys around his cricket club have been helping him out as well. This guy is an absolute weapon. He is a raw talent.”

Addressing the concerns of Konstas lacking the experience, Lee noted, “Is he too young at 19 years of age? I don’t believe he is. Age is just a number. I think what they potentially should do is look to a guy like Sam Konstas because he has a wonderful technique and he is a player of the future.”

He signed off by saying that Konstas should be given all the support and backing if he gets selected for the upcoming Test series against India. Lee is very confident that Konstas will not disappoint Australia, and he will be his first choice to pick as Khawaja’s opening partner against India.