Sheffield Shield 2024/25, NSW vs SOA 1st Match Report, October 08 – 11, 2024

New South Wales 297 for 7 (Konstas 152, Philippe 56, Pope 3-61) against South Australia

Konstas made his maiden debut on the first day of the Blues’ Sheffield Shield season, scoring 152 as the hosts cruised to 297 for 7 against South Australia at Cricket Central.

One of the leading lights in Australia’s U19 World Cup success last year, Konstas has long been regarded as one of the country’s best young talents. And the opener showed why on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old had a very good start to his innings, and took out Ben Manenti by hitting him for three sixes. He then brought up his 163rd-ball century in the final over of the second session, nudging Brendan Doggett down backward square for a single. Konstas first Sheffield Shield ton came with Australian chief selector George Bailey present. And while the right-hander has yet to break into the Test opening debate, good judges expect him to one day grab it.

Konstas made his Shield debut for NSW last summer, and amid glimpses of promise he produced a maiden century in the final round against Queensland. But he looks very successful and reliable this summer.

He used his feet well to spin, and swept Nathan McSweeney for six before conceding his only chance by missing Alex Carey.

“It was an amazing success. Obviously, it’s good to get my first one,” Konstas said. “I have to be hungry for runs. And any teams I make, it’s a bonus.”

“It’s a big thing [I learned from last summer] it was my mentality, to keep the plans simple and how can I do it for a long time?” Konstas said. “I’m trying to stay calm.

“I did [meditate] this morning, then I tried to do that on the field. Just breathing and using it to turn me on and off.

“It worked today.”

Konstas’ runs came as wickets fell around him under heavy cloud cover and light drizzle. Moises Henriques (five) and Matthew Gilkes (10) were both shot outside the stumps, while Nic Maddinson was caught for 12 off Manenti.

Philippe ended up being overwhelmed by Pope, as the South Australia spinner finished the day with 3 for 61 and NSW reeling at 3 for 17. The umpires called off play soon after because of bad light, with visiting captain McSweeney furious that he had kept his spinners. bowling.