Aussie teenage sensation Sam Konstas will receive eye-watering pay rise should the batter surpass another big Test milestone
Sam Konstas’ whirlwind fortnight has seen the Aussie teenager clash with cricketing royalty, ramp Jasprit Bumrah and even show up to a Prime Minister’s reception wearing a pair of Adidas Sambas.
The 19-year-old is one of the biggest talking points in the cricketing world right now, for both his excellence with the bat in hand but also for his affable personality.
From here on out, things are only going to change for Konstas. One big change that could come soon could relate to his playing contract and status in the squad.
Should the 18-year-old Aussie star play in either of Australia’s upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka at the end of this month, Konstas will, according to The Daily Telegraph, net himself a $225,000 bonus.
By playing a third Test, Konstas would be handed a Cricket Australia central contract, which can be worth around $346,641.
The new deal would also see the 19-year-old be back paid for the difference between his new contract and his current New South Wales deal.
The Australian opening batsman has wowed fans with his ability and his confidence.
Aussie batting sensation Sam Konstas could be set for a major pay rise should he be picked to play in this month’s tour of Sri Lanka
Konstas (left) notably clashed with Jasprit Bumrah (right) during the Sydney Test match
He was also seen taunting Virat Kohli in the Boxing Day Test after the ex-India captain had shoulder bumped him
He would walk out on debut in front of a crowd of 100,000 fans at the MCG, before going on to strike 60 runs off 65 balls, hitting two sixes and six fours.
While he struggled to score in the Sydney Test last week, managing a combined 45 runs, Konstas was also embroiled in a war of words with Jasprit Bumrah.
The India pace bowler had appeared to berate Usman Khawaja for not being ready fast enough, with Konstas stepping to the aid of his batting partner. He and Bumrah exchanged firey words before they moved on.
Later when Khawaja was dismissed by Bumrah on the final ball of day one, Konstas was rounded upon by several India players, which Andrew McDonald has slammed as ‘intimidating’.
His words were met by a vehement rebuttal by Gautam Gambhir, who claimed that Konstas ‘can’t be that soft’.
‘It’s a tough sport played by tough men; you can’t be that soft,’ he added before stating he didn’t think there was anything intimidating about the flashpoint.
Despite that, Pat Cummins has come to the defence of the teenage firecracker.
The Aussie captain said on Konstas: ‘I believe people mistake a bit of confidence with bullying or abuse.
Konstas (pictured) was hailed by his captain Pat Cummins, who claimed the 19-year-old had been ‘really good this series’
‘You’re allowed to walk around with your shoulders puffed back and play a few cricket shots.
‘I don’t think that’s illegal, but some people really take offence to that and want to kind of put him back in his place.
‘We say the same to all of our players, just bring yourself every day and be yourself. Go about how you think represents yourself the best and how you want to play.
‘I think he’s been really good this series. He stood up for himself as needed to.’
Australia will now begin to renew their central contracts in March.
It would be bizarre not to see Konstas’ name not on that list considering his whirlwind fortnight.
Cummins, meanwhile, looks to have ruled himself out of the series with he and his partner expecting their second child.
He is set to be succeded by Steve Smith, who will oversee the captaincy duties while the side travel to Sri Lanka.
