Sam Konstas blocked from playing more than 10 Tests for Australia after Jasprit Bumrah humbling

Former England fast-bowler and Ashes-winning bowler Steve Harmison made a bold statement regarding Australia opener Sam Konstas' future in Test cricket. Steve Harmison expressed uncertainty about Sam Konstas' career, adding that the 19-year-old might not play more than 10 Test matches.

Konstas made his Test debut for Australia in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. The batter impressed with his performance, scoring a fifty on debut in Melbourne. He showcased a range of batting skills, including ramps and scoops against world number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

Sam Konstas Won't Play Even 10 Test Matches - Steve Harmison

Speaking on talkSPORT Cricket, Steve Harmison expressed mixed feelings about Sam Konstas' future in Test cricket. Harmison acknowledged Konstas' impressive batting skills but questioned whether the 19-year-old had the necessary defensive technique to succeed at the highest level.

"Part of me thinks Sam Konstas won't play even 10 Test matches. Part of me thinks this kid can be an absolute superstar if he delivers. He's got the chat, he's got the ramps, he's got the scoops, he's got the big shots, but has he got a defensive technique to open the batting in Test match cricket against the world's best?" Harminson said on talkSPORT cricket.

He Just Wants to Be David Warner and Technically He’s Nowhere Near - Steve Harmison

During the same show, Steve Harmison said that Sam Konstas seems to be trying to emulate David Warner's style. However, Harmison believes that Konstas' technique is not on the same level as Warner's. Harmison stated that he would be "happy" if Konstas would be Australia’s opener in the Ashes.

“I look at him and think he just wants to be David Warner and technically he’s nowhere near as good as David and that for me… if he is opening the batting against England, I’d be happy. I really would. I know we are a really long way away from The Ashes," Harmison said.

Sam Konstas Named in Australia Test Squad for Upcoming Sri Lanka Tour

Konstas scored 113 runs across four innings in two Tests against India. His average was under 30 despite a strike rate of 81.88. He has been included in Australia's 16-man squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, alongside Nathan McSweeney, whom he replaced in the third Test against India.

This tour will be a major challenge for both players. Konstas isn't known for his ability against spin. With Australia already qualified for the World Test Championship final, they may experiment by playing both players. The tour begins on January 29 in Galle, with the second Test at the same venue on February 6.

The last time Australia toured Sri Lanka in 2022, the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. Australia won the first match by 10 wickets, but Sri Lanka leveled the series in the second Test thanks to Prabath Jayasuriya's stunning debut performance, where he took 12 wickets.

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