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Tag: Sam Konstas

  • Jasprit Bumrah discloses remark he made about Sam Konstas’ mother during on-field clash

    Jasprit Bumrah discloses remark he made about Sam Konstas’ mother during on-field clash

    In a recent development that has generated significant buzz in the cricket world, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has clarified the controversial remarks he made about Australian cricketer Sam Konstas’ mother during a heated exchange at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This incident took place during the intense fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

    Background of the incident

    The confrontation took place on the first day of the decisive Test match. The tension began when Australian batsman Usman Khawaja delayed one of Bumrah’s deliveries, leading Konstas to step in. Bumrah was seen questioning, “Is everything okay? How’s your mother? Is everything fine at home?” Konstas responded affirmatively, but the words appeared to be misinterpreted, causing a heated moment on the field.

    Jasprit Bumrah’s clarification

    At a recent promotional event, Bumrah addressed the incident, emphasizing that his intention was purely positive. “I don’t know what you guys are thinking, but I mainly asked him, ‘Is everything okay? Is your mother fine? Is everything at home fine?’” he shared. Bumrah suggested that his words might have been misconstrued due to cultural differences or the competitive environment, leading to an unnecessary escalation.

    Also READ: MS Dhoni’s shocking outburst – CSK batting coach Michael Hussey opens up on a tense IPL 2018 moment

    Context of the match

    The Test match was in a critical phase, with India working hard to recover from a 1-2 deficit in the series. With Rohit Sharma absent, Bumrah had stepped up as the team’s leader, adding to the pressure on the field. Despite the charged atmosphere, Bumrah managed to conclude the day by dismissing Khawaja, underscoring the intense competition between the two cricketing nations.

    While Bumrah’s intention was innocent, the situation was perceived differently by Konstas and the Australian cricket community. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense pressure and emotions involved in international cricket, where even seemingly innocuous comments can be misinterpreted and escalate into heated exchanges.

    Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Fans erupt as India seals a semifinal clash with Australia after Varun Chakravarthy destroys New Zealand

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  • $554m for ONE goal: One of football’s worst deals ever meets costly end

    $554m for ONE goal: One of football’s worst deals ever meets costly end

    Brazilian superstar Neymar has left sections of the football world in meltdown with an announcement about his return to boyhood club Santos expected to be made within days.

    Watch every ball of The 2025 Women’s Ashes Series LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

    Saudi giant Al Hilal on Monday night released a statement to confirm the club had reached a mutual agreement to release the former Barcelona star from his mega-contract.

    The Champions League winner shared a message on Tuesday night, saying goodbye to his Saudi Pro League fans.

    “To everyone at Al Hilal, to the fans, Thank you,” he posted on X.

    “I gave everything to play and I wish we enjoyed better times on the pitch together.

    “To Saudi, thank you for giving me and my family a new home and new experiences I now know the real Saudi and have friends for life. I always felt your love and passion for the game. I will be following your journey ahead as a club and a country towards 2034.

    “Your future will be incredible, special things are happening and I will always support you.”

    Al Hilal’s Brazilian forward Neymar warms up. Photo by AFP.Source: AFP

    Neymar’s deal was reported to have been worth a staggering $215 million (£129m) per-year, The Sun reports.

    And after leaving following 18 months at the club, it meant he earned £193.8m in total.

    That breaks down to an outrageous $4.1 million (£2.5m) per-week.

    Combined with his transfer fee, Al-Hilal effectively paid $452 million (£271m) for Neymar’s single goal and three assists in seven matches.

    Al Hilal’s nightmare isn’t even over yet.

    Neymar will still pocket $87 million (£51.9m) of the wages he was owed for the remainder of the season, agreeing to give up just 15 per cent – which works out to $13 million (£8m).

    That means by the end of the season, his single goal will have cost over $554 million (£322m), while each appearance will have been worth £46m.

    If all that wasn’t enough, Neymar also raked in a cool £136m from commercial income, separate to his wage from Al-Hilal.

    The former Paris Saint-Germain winger played just seven times since joining the club in August 2023.

    Neymar was the subject of what is still the biggest transfer in football history when he joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017 for a fee of 220 million euros.

    He followed fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the lucrative Saudi league.

    But two months after his arrival in Riyadh, he ruptured a cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in October 2023, which kept him on the sidelines for a year.

    He returned for Al Hilal with two brief appearances in October and November but injured a hamstring and has not played since.

    Club’s blunt Neymar statement as boyhood fairy tale nears

    Al-Hilal’s statement confirming Neymar’s exit was short and sweet.

    “The club expresses its thanks and appreciation to Neymar for what he has provided throughout his career with Al-Hilal, and wish the player success in his career,” said a club statement posted on social media.

    The decision to release Neymar came after boss Jorge Jesus admitted the player was no longer capable of the required physical demands.

    He said: “Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are used to.

    “Things have become difficult for him, unfortunately.”

    While Neymar had been courted by MLS teams in the United States, reports in Brazil said Santos, the club where Neymar made his name, was in talks for him to return to his homeland.

    A return to Brazil would likely be the last chance for a player who is his country’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 127 matches.

    Neymar scores for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images

    Club president Marcelo Teixeira took to Instagram to deliver the message to Neymar on Tuesday night but did not officially confirm the 32-year-old’s return to the club where he first broke through in 2009.

    “The time has come, Neymar. The time has come for you to return to your people. To your home, to our beloved club,” said Teixeira.

    “Welcome back, Ney boy!… Come and be happy again in the sacred jersey. The Santos nation awaits you with open arms.”

    Earlier in January, Neymar said he was aiming to play the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico.

    “I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” he told CNN.

    At the start of his career he was cast as the heir to Pele.

    After scoring 107 goals in 177 appearances for Santos, he joined Barcelona in 2013, becoming the young star of a team that also featured Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, which swept to the Champions League title in 2015 by beating Juventus 3-1 in the final in Berlin.

    A year later he scored the winning penalty in a shootout as Brazil won the men’s football gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

    In 2017, Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain prised him away from Barcelona with what is still a world-record transfer fee of 220 million euros ($230 million).

    He won five Ligue 1 titles and he and prolific French forward Kylian Mbappe led PSG to the final of the Champions League in the Covid-blighted 2019-2020, but they lost to Bayern Munich.

    PSG reunited Neymar with Messi in the French capital, but the trio with Mbappe failed to gel as personal rivalries got in the way and he was pushed to the exit, and to Saudi Arabia, by the Parisian management in 2023.

    — with AFP

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  • WATCH: Usman Khawaja responds to Sam Konstas over reverse sweep jibe during net practice session before 1st Test against Sri Lanka

    WATCH: Usman Khawaja responds to Sam Konstas over reverse sweep jibe during net practice session before 1st Test against Sri Lanka

    The Australian team has arrived in Sri Lanka for a Test and ODI series against the home side. The first Test between the two nations is set to begin on January 29 in Galle as both teams gear up for a crucial face-off in the longest format of the game. However, before the vital encounter against Sri Lanka, Australian opener Usman Khawaja is investing his time and energy in the nets trying to ace a rather unconventional shot according to his standards- the reverse sweep. This led to a light-hearted exchange of thoughts between Khawaja and his young opening partner Sam Konstas as he received a history lesson from the seasoned opener.

    Usman Khawaja at the difficulties batters face on reverse sweep shots

    After the training session at Galle International Stadium, Khawaja talked about his experiences in Sri Lanka on Cricket Australia’s official channel during the course of his long and decorated career as a cricketer. In the midst of that, he pointed out the passing remarks Konstas and other teammates of the national team made on his reverse sweep practice in the nets to which he gave a light-hearted reply.

    “Yeah, yeah, show some respect, alright, it wasn’t easy when I started playing the reverse sweep. You get out playing that and you get crucified. Now you’re good,” was Khawaja’s reply pointing out the conservative mindset the cricketing community had back in the day when he was a youngster.

    Additionally, he also remarked on the experiences of playing in Sri Lanka and in sub-continent conditions in general. He also talked about the difference between playing in Australian and subcontinent pitches for a batter. This is Khawaja’s fifth tour to Sri Lanka. He was a part of the Australian squad in their previous 4 Test tours to the island nation and an Under-19 campaign back when he was a youngster.

    Here’s the video 

    Also Read: Sri Lanka announces Test squad for the Australia series; includes 2 uncapped players

    Khawaja revealed his retirement plan before trip to Sri Lanka

    The 38-year-old had a silent season and failed to leave a mark with the bat in the home series against India in which the Australian team triumphed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time after a decade. Speculation was rife that the veteran Australian opener might opt for retirement from Test cricket after the conclusion of the coveted bilateral series, but Khawaja had thoughts of his own on the matter.

    After the series, Khwaja sat down to have a chat on roar.com in which he talked about his retirement plans and potentially when he could bid farewell to the game. During the discussion, Khwaja expressed his openness and flexibility on the matter and left it on Australian team management to decide his future.

    “There’s definitely those thoughts (bowing out in Sydney) in my head, I’m not afraid to talk about that. I’m human. I’d still like to play the Ashes at a bare minimum. I try not to think too far ahead, that’s as far ahead as I’ll think. As long as we’re winning, I’m still contributing, my body’s still feeling good, I’ll play. For me it always feels more like one summer at a time,” Khwaja remarked on rumours of his retirement from the longest format of the game.

    Additionally, he also pointed out that ups and downs are part and parcel of the game and he is accustomed from the disappointment of not being up to the mark with the bat at times.

    “(Playing on the subcontinent) has been a love-hate relationship. (But) there’s going to be times when you score runs, times you don’t score runs. You respect that the older you get. Cricket always ebbs and flows. I’m very attuned to that now,” the 38-year-old concluded.

    Also Read: David Warner selects Australia’s opener for the Sri Lanka tour



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  • AUS vs IND: Australia head coach opens up on Sam Konstas’ fiery on-field altercation with Indian players in the Sydney Test

    AUS vs IND: Australia head coach opens up on Sam Konstas’ fiery on-field altercation with Indian players in the Sydney Test

    The intense atmosphere surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was palpable at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Indian players and Australia’s Sam Konstas found themselves at the center of a fiery exchange. Following a heated confrontation between Konstas and Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah, along with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. Amid the escalating on-field drama, Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, was quick to address the incident in a post-match comment.

    Australia head coach seeks clarification over Indian players’ stance on Sam Konstas

    Australia’s head coach, McDonald, stated that since no charges, fines, or punishments were imposed on the Indian team, their behavior is considered acceptable. He added that it is up to the match referee to decide whether the behavior is acceptable.

    “Considering there has been no charges on Indian team, clearly it’s acceptable behaviour because there was no fines or punishments. It’s upto match referee, if this is acceptable behaviour or not,” McDonald was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

    McDonald, mentioned that he spoke with Konstas to check on him after the intimidating Indian celebration, where the team surrounded him. McDonald wanted to ensure Konstas was okay.

    “My conversation with Sam was about checking in with him. Clearly the Indian celebration was intimidating, with all of them Swarming in. So just wanted to make sure he’s okay,” said the Australian head coach.

    Also WATCH: Sam Konstas hits an audacious reverse ramp against Jasprit Bumrah on Day 2 of the SCG Test

    Sam Konstas’ dismissal in the Sydney Test

    In the 12th over of Australia’s innings when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Konstas in a thrilling moment. Konstas, who had made a solid start, was caught by Jaiswal at gully after playing an ill-advised drive to a full ball outside off stump. The Indian team erupted in jubilation as Jaiswal claimed the catch, flinging the ball high into the air in celebration. The Indian players gathered around, and the noise from the crowd reflected the intensity of the moment. However, the Australian crowd responded with boos, signaling their disapproval of the dismissal and the exuberant celebration that followed.

    Konstas, who had been playing with determination, was dismissed for 23 runs off 38 balls, with three boundaries to his name. The departure of the Australian debutant brought a wave of mixed emotions, as the Indian players celebrated fiercely.

    Also WATCH: ‘Oye Konstas’ – Yashasvi Jaiswal sledges Sam Konstas on Day 2 of SCG Test

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  • WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s eye-catching send-off after dismissing Sam Konstas on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test

    WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah’s eye-catching send-off after dismissing Sam Konstas on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test

    In a match filled with moments of high drama and skill, Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, delivered not only a devastating ball but also an animated send-off to young Australian debutant Sam Konstas during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

    Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Sam Konstas with a beauty

    The incident occurred early on the fourth day of the Test when Bumrah, known for his precision and often subdued celebrations, bowled an inswinger that shattered Konstas’s middle stump. Konstas, who had shown remarkable aggression against Bumrah during Australia’s first innings, was dismissed for just eight runs in the second essay.

    The delivery was a masterclass in seam bowling; it pitched on a good length, jagged back sharply between Konstas’s bat and pad, and clipped the top of the middle stump. This dismissal was a stark contrast to Konstas’s first innings performance where he had scored a brisk 60 off 65 balls, including two sixes off Bumrah, becoming the first in nearly four years to hit a six off the Indian in Test cricket.

    A duel of antics: The Bumrah-Konstas rivalry at MCG

    After the ball made its way through Konstas’s defense, Bumrah, typically reserved, erupted in celebration. He turned to the crowd, urging them to roar in approval with a dramatic gesture, mimicking the crowd-engaging celebrations Konstas himself had performed during India’s innings. This send-off was seen as a direct response to Konstas’s antics on day three when he had rallied the crowd while fielding near the boundary rope, a gesture Bumrah evidently had not forgotten.

    Here is the video:

    Also WATCH: AUS vs IND – Jasprit Bumrah castles Alex Carey with a peach on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test

    Bumrah’s performance in this series has been stellar, showcasing his pivotal role in India’s bowling attack. His ability to adapt his bowling to different conditions and opponents has been on full display, particularly against a young and fearless Konstas who has been making waves since his Test debut.

    Also WATCH: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s father touches Sunil Gavaskar’s feet in emotional moment at MCG – AUS vs IND



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  • Watch: Virat Kohli walks to bat amid boos at MCG l CricTracker

    Watch: Virat Kohli walks to bat amid boos at MCG l CricTracker

    Australia continued their solid batting on Day 2 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground AS They ended their innings posting a huge total of 474 runs. Meanwhle, India lost skipper Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early as they were back in the hut with India reeling at 51/2. After tea, Virat Kohli entered the arena and he was welcomed by the Australian crowd with boos. 

    For the unversed, Kohli is in limelight for wrong reasons as he was embroiled in an uncalled-for scuffle with debutant Sam Konstas on the opening day of the fourth Test. During Australia’s batting, Konstas looked in fine touch as he smashed the India bowlers all over the ground. The former India captain walked up to him and brushed his shoulder in the 10th over of the Australian innings.

    Here’s the vided of Kohli getting booed: 

    Rohit Sharma’s struggle continues despite opening for India 

    Kohli’s antics were criticised by the former cricketers and even former India Head Coach, Ravi Shastri seemed unimpressed. Subsequently, Kohli was charged 20 percent of his match fee as the penalty and was also handed demerit points for his on field conduct. Konstas went on to score his maiden Test half century and ended his innings scoring 60 of just 65 balls. 

    Also Read: Ravi Shastri reacts to Australian media calling Virat Kohli ‘clown’ after Konstas altercation

    Speaking of the Indian innings, Rahul, who is termed as the best Indian batters on this tour was demoted to number three from his opener’s slot. Rohit, who batted in the middle order in the second and third Test, opened the innings and was dismissed for just three runs. Rahul, whose defence technique is lauded in the series, was undone by a peach of a delivery from Pat Cummins.

     

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  • “Totally unnecessary”: Ravi Shastri refuses to support Virat Kohli in ‘Sam Konstas’ controversy at MCG

    “Totally unnecessary”: Ravi Shastri refuses to support Virat Kohli in ‘Sam Konstas’ controversy at MCG

    Former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri lashed out at Virat Kohli for his altercation with young Australia National Cricket Team batter Sam Konstas during the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He said that it was unnecessary and one doesn’t want to see that.

    India National Cricket Team batter Kohli made headlines on Day 1 of the ongoing fourth Test against the Australia National Cricket Team. The Boxing-day Test between the teams is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

    Virat Kohli was in the headlines because of his altercation with Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the MCG Test

    Kohli was in the headlines because of his altercation with Sam Konstas. It all started after the Australia National Cricket Team debutant attempted to play reverse scoops against Jasprit Bumrah early on in the innings but missed a few. This made India’s batter laugh at the young batter while standing in the slips.

    However, after that, Sam Konstas attacked Jasprit Bumrah and also hit unorthodox shots. While the batter kept playing his shots, Kohli didn’t shy away from getting into the ears of the young batter as he continued sledging him.

    Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs

    But things got intense after the 10th over when Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between overs. Immediately after that, they shared a heated exchange of words before Usman Khawaja and umpire Michael Gough interrupted to separate the batters.

    Since then, Kohli has become the talking point, and the batter also has faced a lot of criticism. This was because many were of the opinion that Kohli, being a senior batter, shouldn’t have had a go at the 19-year-old youngster, who was making his debut for Australia.

    The latest to join the bandwagon is former India National Cricket Team head coach Ravi Shastri. The commentator believes that it was unnecessary for Virat Kohli to do that as he said that the batter is a senior player and was captain of the Indian team as well.

    “It’s unnecessary, totally unnecessary – Ravi Shastr on Virat Kohli’s altercation with Sam Konstas

    Ravi Shastri added that Virat Kohli might be having his own explanations for his spat and issued a warning to the batter, saying that match referee Andy Pycroft will be having a keen eye on him. Speaking during the match, he explained:

    “It’s unnecessary, totally unnecessary. You don’t want to see that. Virat is a senior player, he’s been captain of the side. He’ll have his own explanations as regards that. But it’s something you don’t want to see. One person who will be watching, his eyes will be locked into the proceedings, Andy Pycroft.”

    Sam Konstas was the shining light for Australia on Day 1. The batter played aggressively and scored 60 runs off 65 balls to help his team have a great day with the bat.

    Watch: Virat Kohli booed after denying Steve Smith a boundary as MCG crowd turns hostile

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  • WATCH: Commentators go gaga over Sam Konstas’ stunning reverse scoop six off Jasprit Bumrah in AUS vs IND 4th Test

    WATCH: Commentators go gaga over Sam Konstas’ stunning reverse scoop six off Jasprit Bumrah in AUS vs IND 4th Test

    In a thrilling display of youthful exuberance, 19-year-old Australia batter Sam Konstas made headlines during his Test debut at the Boxing Day Test against India. Facing the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showcased a bold T20-style approach in his blistering knock of 60 runs that left commentators and fans alike in awe.

    The stage was set at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Konstas walked out to open the innings. The young debutant faced an uphill battle against Bumrah, who has long been regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. After a cautious start, where he struggled to connect with two attempted ramp shots, Konstas finally found his rhythm in the seventh over. He executed a brilliant reverse ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for four runs, followed by an audacious six that sent shockwaves through the stadium.

    Commentators were left speechless by his audacity. Mark Waugh exclaimed, “I cannot believe this,” while Ravi Shastri remarked on how Konstas had effectively unsettled Bumrah, a strategy that seemed to pay off handsomely. “He has done well to unsettle Bumrah and so far it has worked for Konstas”, Shastri said.

    The crowd erupted in cheers as Konstas continued to attack, finishing the over with two boundaries and a total of 16 runs – Bumrah’s highest concession in recent memory.

    Also WATCH: Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas exchanged heated words after shoulder bump on Day 1 of the Melbourne Test

    Here’s the video:

    A historic moment for Konstas

    Konstas’ achievement was not just about runs; it was historic in nature. By hitting Bumrah for a six, he became the first batter since Cameron Green in 2021 to achieve this feat against the Indian pacer, who had gone an astonishing 4483 deliveries without conceding a six in Test matches. This remarkable statistic underscores the significance of Konstas’ performance and positions him as a player to watch in future matches.

    The debutant’s fearless approach has drawn comparisons to the “Bazball” style of cricket popularized by England under coach Brendon McCullum. Waugh noted that Konstas had clearly formulated a plan against Bumrah, despite initially keeping it under wraps.

    The reactions from seasoned commentators were telling of the impact Konstas made with the bat. Adam Gilchrist praised his ability to take on one of the world’s best bowlers with such confidence at such a young age.

    “He had said that he has got a plan against Jasprit Bumrah, but didn’t reveal it. This might be his way of taking down Bumrah,” Gilchrist concluded. The consensus among experts was clear: Konstas’ performance was not merely an anomaly but rather indicative of a new generation of cricketers who are unafraid to challenge traditional norms.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Shubman Gill not playing Boxing Day Test match against Australia



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  • ‘Gives you belief’: Rising cricketer among NSW’s top 22

    ‘Gives you belief’: Rising cricketer among NSW’s top 22

    Now in its 18th season, the Basil Sellers Emerging Players program assists elite talent who have the potential to earn a NSW or rookie contract.

    With an alumni that includes current Australian captains Pat Cummins and Alyssa Healy alongside the likes of Steve Smith, Ash Gardner and young gun Phoebe Litchfield, there’s no shortage of inspiration for this year’s intake of 22 rising stars.

    For 18-year-old Charlie Anderson, the right-arm paceman from the Northern District Cricket Club enters his second season in the program.

    Now studying Education and Sports Science at the Australian Catholic University, the Aussie U19 rep couldn’t be happier with his progress.

    “Just getting selected for a Basil Sellers Scholarship gives you confidence,” said Anderson.

    “It can be quite daunting mixing with first grade players, but it gives you belief that you belong and then an incentive to try and dominate.

    “The financial assistance means I can focus more time and energy on my cricket, and there is also a two-year deal with Kookaburra to assist with equipment.”

    Already in the NSW pathways program and rounding out preparations for a long club season, for young guns like Anderson, fitting more cricket into an already busy program can be difficult.

    “The scholarship program is really flexible,” he said.

    “Most of the players train with their club and the NSW academy, but the Basil Sellers program provides opportunities to do extra training. Like joining the Blues squad at training or organising private sessions with different coaches.”

    But the benefits extend well beyond the boundary ropes.

    “There is also a variety of workshops,” said Anderson.

    “Just recently we had a session with Greg Chappell focusing on mental aspects. Just hearing his own experiences on dealing with adversity was amazing.”

    With an eye on next year’s U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Anderson is also using the program to expand his game.

    “This year I’m placing a big focus on my batting. There’s the assistance with equipment, but it’s also the opportunity to access batting coaches and organise private sessions,” he said.

    “I definitely want to keep getting better with the ball, but I really want to make some moves up the order in first grade.”

    Meet the 22 rising stars of NSW cricket.

    TIER 1: SHORT TERM POTENTIAL FOR STATE/ROOKIE CONTRACT

    CHARLIE ANDERSON (NORTHERN DISTRICT)

    Last season Anderson took the new rock for the all conquering Blues in Adelaide at the U19 national championships. Tall and lively, the right-arm quick did enough to be named in the Australian U19 squad that hosted England.

    Already making a name for himself with bat and ball on the first grade scene, Anderson is currently recovering from back stress fractures, which are expected to keep him sidelined until mid-October.

    ELLA BRISCOE (ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND)

    Still only 17, last summer the bustling quick led the NSW U19 attack in Perth. Also handy with the bat, the hard hitting middle order specialist can also adjust the pace of her innings to the needs of the team.

    Destined for higher honours, last summer Briscoe was called up to the Sydney Thunder T20 squad.

    SIENNA EVE (NORTHERN DISTRICT)

    A proud Novocastrian, Eve’s left-arm orthodox spin was used to good effect for NSW Country at last season’s U19 nationals.

    Known for tight lines and economical returns, Eve thrives in the short formats and more than holds her own with willow in the middle order.

    RYAN HICKS (MOSMAN)

    A superb gloveman and punishing right-hander, Hicks had a breakout summer last season. Pouched an astonishing eight catches to claim the player of the match award in the U19 nationals final, where he also top scored for NSW.

    For Mosman, Hicks scored his maiden first grade ton, and was recently selected in the Australian U19 World Cup preliminary squad.

    ELSA HUNTER (PENRITH)

    Another NSW rep at last summer’s U19 nationals, the right-hand top order specialist played several match defining digs and gained valuable experience as part of the leadership group.

    Hunter has also represented Malaysia in international competition, and is currently undertaking the HSC at Hills Sports High.

    SAM KONSTAS (SUTHERLAND)

    Seems to have been on the NSW radar for an eternity. Still only 17, the prolific right-hand opener holds a stack of junior run scoring records and last November cracked his maiden top grade ton at better than a run-a-ball.

    One of several Blues touring England with the U19 Australian side, Konstas has been short-listed for the U19 World Cup and appears destined for a prosperous future.

    LAUREN KUA (MANLY-WARRINGAH)

    The highly rated all-rounder’s class has been rewarded with a third Basil Sellers scholarship. Dynamic with the bat, Kua scores runs on either side of the wicket and attacks the stumps with accurate leg-spin.

    A NSW pathways regular, the 18-year-old has leadership capabilities and is currently studying Commerce and Psychology.

    RAFAEL MACMILLAN (ST GEORGE)

    The tall 18-year-old offie announced himself last season with selection for NSW against the touring West Indians. Consistent across all formats, the St George tweaker delivers with turn and bounce and is likely to be on the plane to Sri Lanka for the U19 World Cup.

    FRANKIE NICKLIN (UNIVERSITIES)

    An all-rounder on the move, Nicklin has already suited up for the NSW Breakers and continues to develop her skills with winter trips to England.

    A determined top order bat, the right-hander’s off-spin continues to evolve, and last season she snared a hat-trick for NSW at the U19 nationals.

    KATE PELLE (PARRAMATTA)

    Last summer, Pelle’s punishing performance with the bat overshadowed the Parramatta opener’s class behind the stumps.

    In 12 innings in the top grade, the right-hander blasted 365 runs at better than a run-a-ball with an average of 40. Her reward came with Australian U19 selection at last season’s World Cup in South Africa.

    JAKE SCOTT (WAGGA WAGGA/PENRITH)

    One of several country cricketers on the program, the Wagga Wagga leftie has impressed with his ability to score all around the ground.

    Made to move to Penrith last season where immediately hit top gear with an unbeaten 148 in the Poidevin Gray Shield (U21). Enters his second summer on the Basil Sellers books.

    HARJAS SINGH (WESTERN SUBURBS)

    He may only be 18, but Singh knows the ropes better than most. Two summers ago, the elegant left-hander became the eight youngest to notch a Sydney first grade ton while still only 16.

    Dominated for the Blues at last year’s U19 nationals hitting two centuries and was named in the Aussie squad that hosted England.

    TOM STRAKER (SUTHERLAND)

    Tall and super quick, Straker is a rare and awkward commodity who is now nudging the 140km/h barrier.

    Opened the bowling for NSW U19s, and helped the Blues to victory in the final last season against Queensland. Snared 15 first grade wickets last summer and all going well should will be one to watch at the U19 World Cup.

    TIER 2: FUTURE POTENTIAL FOR STATE/ROOKIE CONTRACT

    LUKE CALLANAN (GORDON)

    One of the strongest athletes in the NSW U19s squad last season, Callanan is a right-arm speedster on the rise who is primed for a big summer with Gordon.

    ANGUS CAMPBELL (GREATER ILLAWARRA)

    Dominated at last season’s Country Colts Championships where the attacking right hander earned his selection for NSW Country U19s.

    Just as dangerous off the front and back foot, he’s expected to reach another level with more guidance.

    JESS DAVIDSON (UNIVERSITIES)

    A tall right-arm quick, the 20-year-old showed her class last season where she represented the NSW Breakers in two matches.

    Has come through the pathways program and also featured in the Sydney Thunder squad.

    TARA FRENCH (NORTHERN DISTRICT)

    Learned to bowl quick in Terrigal and hasn’t disappointed for Northern District in the Sydney grade scene.

    Played for NSW Country last season at the U19 nationals, and will look to build on that experience this season.

    CAMERON FRENDO (FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL)

    One of a host of rising stars to come out of the Fairfield-Liverpool club, Frendo has impressed in first grade with his left-arm orthodox and has long been on the NSW radar.

    In a major stepping stone, last July he earned selection in the Australian U19 squad.

    EMMA HUGHES (PENRITH)

    Nearing her 23rd birthday, Hughes could be considered an anomaly in the program.

    Having already played for the Sixers and Breakers, the right-arm pace bowler earns her place after injury ruled her out for a large portion of last season.

    SHIVANI MEHTA (MANLY WARRINGAH)

    A classy right-hand batter, Mehta opened the batting for the NSW Breakers in two matches last season and scored over 400 runs for club side Manly.

    ANGUS PARSONS (MOSMAN)

    A promising right-arm paceman from Bathurst, Parsons has already played first grade for Mosman and is building a reputation for his nagging out swing.

    CAMERON TUNKS (NORTHERN DISTRICT)

    Tunks is among a long list of batting talent fighting for recognition in the junior reps. Just missed selection for NSW at last season’s U19 nationals, but such is his high regard, the selectors found a spot for him in the Northern Territory squad.

    Originally published as Cricket NSW: Meet the 22 rising stars with a Basil Sellers scholarship

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