NSW Takes Charge as Konstas Shows Restraint Against Victoria
New South Wales has tightened its grip on the Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the SCG, with young batter Sam Konstas taking a more measured approach in his second innings. After his aggressive seven-ball cameo on day one, which ended in a bold but ill-advised slog-sweep against Scott Boland, all eyes were on Konstas to see if he would rein in his natural attacking instincts. And he did—well, to some extent.
On day two, NSW resumed play with a slim lead, but a disciplined bowling effort from Jackson Bird helped dismiss Victoria for 182, giving the Blues a 56-run advantage. When Konstas walked in to bat, the field was set with a third man placed deep—an obvious reaction to his ramp shots from the first innings. But this time, he left the first four balls he faced, a stark contrast to his first dig where he reverse-ramped his second ball for four.
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It took him 13 deliveries to get off the mark, and he played a watchful knock, waiting 30 balls before playing his first real attacking shot. He found the boundary a few times off loose deliveries but ultimately fell for 17, slashing at a wide ball from Boland. While his score didn’t do justice to his effort, his approach was a marked improvement from the reckless start on day one.
His recent form in the Shield—3, 22, 10, and now 17—has raised concerns about his spot in the Australian Test team for the World Test Championship final in June. However, this innings showed a willingness to adapt, something that selectors might take into account when making their final call.
Meanwhile, NSW’s middle order carried on the momentum, and at stumps, they stood at 4-134, leading by 190 runs. With three rounds left in the season and both teams vying for a top-two finish, every run in this contest could prove crucial. As for Konstas, whether he embraces a more measured style or continues his aggressive approach remains a storyline worth watching.
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