Konstas endured a tough time in the recent West Indies series, managing just 50 runs in six innings in challenging conditions where both top orders struggled. Those matches were his first Tests since bursting onto the scene against India last season. With the Ashes on the horizon in November, the New South Wales batter finds himself back in the selection mix and aware of the stakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s massive, it\u2019s going to be a big four games and I expect that,\u201d Konstas told ESPNcricinfo on the day he signed a new four-year deal with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, which keeps him at the club until 2029.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut for me, [it\u2019s about] just being in the present moment, don\u2019t get too fixated about the outcome and just be very process-driven in those games. Not getting too fazed about what other people say, and obviously have that inner circle that I trust.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Konstas has resumed training with New South Wales after taking a short break post-tour and will feature in the four-day leg of the Australia A tour of India next month. While selectors view that trip with the long-term goal of Australia\u2019s five-Test series in India in 2027, Konstas knows his immediate focus is the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor me it\u2019s just trying to best prepare, and then obviously trusting what I think is right in that current moment,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt was my first time playing in the West Indies, and first time facing those bowlers. They bowled well and hopefully I can build from that experience. Adopting the right mindset, training hard, not leaving any regrets. For me, that\u2019s the big thing, just the way I prepare, and especially with the people that I trust, having honest conversations with them when necessary and leaving it to that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
NSW captain Jack Edwards, who will also tour India with Australia A, praised his teammate\u2019s attitude in recent weeks. \u201cHe definitely doesn\u2019t hold onto it [the tour] for too long,\u201d Edwards told ESPNcricinfo. \u201cIt\u2019s great to have him around. He\u2019s working extremely hard at his game as he always does, hitting a mountain of balls\u2026such a young man, he\u2019s definitely going to have a long career for Australia.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Konstas revealed he has leaned on senior figures including Steven Smith and David Warner\u2014his captain at Sydney Thunder\u2014for guidance. \u201cI\u2019m very lucky to be working with the best in the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Picked for Australia after just 11 first-class games, Konstas has been learning much of his trade at the highest level. The coaching staff believe his struggles in the Caribbean won\u2019t do long-term harm. Konstas himself remains focused on growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m still learning about my game and finding what works in different conditions,\u201d he said. \u201cUnderstanding the situations, when to soak up pressure [and] when to attack the game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Picked for Australia after just 11 first-class games, Konstas has been learning much of his trade at the highest level. The coaching staff believe his struggles in the Caribbean won\u2019t do long-term harm. Konstas himself remains focused on growth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Still a teenager\u2014he turns 20 in October\u2014Konstas is trying to keep perspective amid the ups and downs of international cricket. \u201cAs an athlete, you\u2019re going to go through failures and successes, but I tell you, build from those failures and become a better person and cricketer,\u201d he reflected.<\/p>\r\n\r\n