\"A lot of the narrative has been around this tour doesn\u2019t matter. It really does, it\u2019s Test cricket. That\u2019s our priority. Leaving Sammy out was a very difficult thing. There was a long discussion there. We feel though that he\u2019s on a remarkable journey. He\u2019s a hugely talented player, hasn\u2019t played a lot in this part of the world but he\u2019ll learn quickly obviously.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot to like and be impressed about Sam. One of the things is his ability to take things in his stride. It\u2019s remarkable really, whether it\u2019s playing in front of 90,000 and Jasprit Bumrah at the MCG or getting told that you\u2019re left out of the Test. He was like, \u2018Oh yeah mate, no stress. I get it,\u201d said Australian selector Dodemaide while talking with reporters at Galle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While not guaranteeing a return for the next series, Dodemaide confirmed that Konstas is in contention for the second Test depending on the outcome of the Galle match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe won't preempt what\u2019s happening there, but clearly he\u2019s done a lot right hasn\u2019t he? He\u2019s an exciting talent. We\u2019re looking for those successor players to come in, there will be some turnover naturally in the next couple of years or so and he\u2019s very much staked a claim. He\u2019s a hugely talented player but he\u2019s also got range in his game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He\u2019s got a number of gears in his game which he\u2019ll continue to develop, particularly with the experience here on these pitches that he hasn\u2019t had a lot of exposure to yet. We like Sammy. It\u2019s obvious that he\u2019s got a lot of talent and hopefully he\u2019s a long-term player for us.\u201d added Dodemaide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, however, criticised the selectors for sidelining the youngster, calling it a \"missed opportunity\" to further develop Konstas at the international level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I don\u2019t like it, to be honest... I just expected Konstas would play and would open the batting. In two Test matches time they are playing in the World Test Championship in England and Konstas will be straight back into the side then. We have seen Travis Head open in the sub-continent before and he did very well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"No doubt he will look to get Australia off to a flyer and almost bat like he would in one-day mode, but I think there is a real missed opportunity for the Australians here to get to learn a bit more about Sam Konstas,\u201d Ponting told Channel 7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Dodemaide defended the decision, citing the importance of securing Australia\u2019s first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"No doubt he will look to get Australia off to a flyer and almost bat like he would in one-day mode, but I think there is a real missed opportunity for the Australians here to get to learn a bit more about Sam Konstas,\u201d Ponting told Channel 7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n