Sam Konstas makes a strong statement with a century in Sheffield Shield

The 21-year-old youngster sent the Australian selectors a timely reminder of his capabilities with a century and fifty in two innings for New South Wales at the WACA, Perth. Having taken a 101-run lead in the first innings, NSW needed a quick-fire innings on the third day, and Konstas delivered just that. He also earned himself a nod of approval from David Warner as Australia succumbed to 99 all out in the second Test against South Africa.

His team was in a slight spot of bother at 155-5 in the second essay, but Konstas kept the scoreboard ticking from one end, completing his fifth first-class century off 136 balls. After reaching the three-figure mark, he changed gears rapidly, scoring the next fifty in just 31 balls.

Konstas smashed 15 fours and four sixes in his knock, and added an unbroken stand of 107 runs for the sixth wicket with Ryan Hicks (35*) before they declared the innings. His strike rate read an impressive 90.42. It was also his first red-ball hundred in 15 innings.

Earlier in the match, the youngster made 71 off 142 deliveries in a more watchful manner as NSW piled on 440-6. Heading into the fourth day, they have reduced the opponents to 30-3 and need seven more wickets to win with 334 runs to play.

Konstas, a highly rated talent from Australia, was earmarked to be the next big thing and made a memorable start to his Test career, ramping Jasprit Bumrah for two fours and a six, and hitting 60 in his debut innings. However, he ended the series with scores of 8, 23 and 22. Konstas has played only five Tests thus far, the last of which came in July 2025 against West Indies, and averages just 16.3 with a solitary fifty.

Former Australia opener Warner was quick to praise Konstas for his knock and advocated for him to bat at three in the Test side, which is currently occupied by Marnus Labuschagne.

Konstas hundred at the wacca today!! Could bat 3 for aus IMO

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 21, 2026

Warner’s suggestion might not be outrageous considering the form of the Australian batters in the last two years. Labuschagne, in particular, has featured in 13 Tests since the start of 2025, and averages 22.80 with two fifties. Nic Maddinson, who was given the opening role in the ongoing series, has made two ducks and 48 in three innings.

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