Australian cricket is abuzz with excitement as 19-year-old batting sensation Sam Konstas has emerged as a serious contender for Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test team. Konstas’ explosive century against India in the pink-ball warm-up match at the Manuka Oval showed his immense potential amid the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

With his impressive century for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI against India, the young Australian batsman has cemented his place as a rising star. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne’s woes continue, with a dismal Test average of 25 this year and a disappointing performance in the Perth Test.

Sam Konstas threatens Marnus Labuschagne’s Test spot after stunning century against India

While critics question Marnus’ poor form, Sam Konstas’ sensational form hints at his soon-to-be debut in Australia. As the debate over the No. 3 position intensifies, former Australian pacer Damien Fleming said Konstas is ready to take Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the Test lineup.

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Ahead of the day-night Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, which begins on December 6, Fleming highlighted Konstas’ impressive knock for the Australian Prime Minister’s XI against India and said it significantly boosted the young batsman’s chances. debut in the test.

The former Australian pacer believes it is only a matter of time before Konstas earns a place in the Test team, depending on the performances of other batsmen in the ongoing five-match Test series against India at home. However, if a key player like Marnus Labuschagne continues to struggle, Konstas could step in sooner than expected, according to Fleming.

I can see Konstas replacing Maruns in Australia’s XI: Fleming

Damien Fleming told SEN: “What I love about what Sam did yesterday was that he improved his reputation, and that’s all you can do. That was brilliant of him. He is going to play; It’s just a question of when, whether it will be this summer or not. My feeling is that an Australian fan and commentator is not playing this summer because everyone else is scoring too many runs. But a failure for someone like Marnus means I can see Konstas going straight for him.”

Notably, Marnus Labuschagne’s position in the Australian Test squad remains secure until the day-night Test as the hosts have retained their lineup for the second Test against India in Adelaide. However, a poor performance in the Adelaide Test could lead to changes as Australia aim to cement their place in the World Test Championship final.

Also read: Alastair Cook drowns Marnus Labuschagne; knocks down Australian batsmen after Perth’s failure against India

Currently, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney open for Australia, while Marnus is at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4, the latter struggling for runs. However, Smith may be given a longer rope given his height, but another poor outing would lead to Marnus’ departure from the team.

Australia squad for Second Test against India:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney.