Sam Konstas removed from Australia squad in the middle of Sri Lanka series

Australia National Cricket Team have made a massive change to the squad for the second Test against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. Opening batter Sam Konstas has been released from the squad and he will be going back home to play domestic cricket, as per the reports in The Age.

Sam Konstas, who made his debut for the Australia National Cricket Team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, didn't get an opportunity to play in the first Test against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. This was because the team promoted Travis Head at the top of the order to make use of the new hard ball.

Sam Konstas returns home to play the next round of the Sheffield Shield

Konstas wasn't considered for the second Test by Australia and after a net session on Tuesday, he returned to the team hotel to pack for his return to Sydney. He has been sent back so that he can play the next round of Sheffield Shield cricket rather than being benched.

Konstas himself confirmed that he is traveling back home and will be available for the New South Wales vs Queensland game. He talked about the learnings that he took from the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja and talked about playing in Asian conditions.

It’s been a huge honour being in the squad and learning from the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja - Sam Konstas

Speaking to the age, he said:

“That’s the plan. Hopefully, I can be back for the first game (NSW vs Queensland on Saturday). It’s been a huge honour being in the squad and learning from the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja and the way they go about it. And obviously having experience in the Asian continent in Dubai.

“It’s been about understanding what works in these conditions, and hopefully I can emulate that after I get back to Sydney. Understanding your strengths and trying to do it for as long as possible in these conditions.”

So for me it was trying to get exposure to Dubai, Sri Lanka, try to learn - Sam Konstas

Sam Konstas also talked about Travis Head opening the innings in the first Test, saying that he understood the decision and that touring Sri Lanka was a great opportunity for him to get exposure to Asian conditions. He added:

“I understood the decision (not to play in the first Test). Travis Head’s a legend of the game, and he’s been dominating in these conditions up top. So for me it was trying to get exposure to Dubai, Sri Lanka, try to learn and I feel like I learned quite a bit about things if I do play in the subcontinent. That’s basically it.”

Sam Konstas now will be seen in action for Australia during the ICC World Test Championship final. He will be opening the innings for the team as was confirmed by Travis Head in the press conference.

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