Sam Konstas opening the batting with David Warner, not Usman Khawaja, looms as a locked-in scenario at some stage during the Big Bash after the young star signed a monster four-year deal with the Sydney Thunder.
Konstas’ availability could be determined by his form in the early rounds of the Sheffield Shield, with his spot in the Test team for the Ashes a long way off being settled after a failed tour of the West Indies.
But his stardom in the eyes of the next generation of cricket fans is unquestioned and the 19-year-old looms as a BBL drawcard whenever he plays, which will be alongside veteran star Warner when he does.
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“I remember being a fan in the stands watching my heroes like Davey (Warner), Michael Hussey and Andre Russell play for Thunder, so to re-sign for another four seasons is very exciting,” Konstas said.
“Batting with Davey (Warner) last season was a great learning opportunity for me because he’s very strategic in the way that he goes about things. I felt like I had a lot of clarity and freedom to play my game.
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“We’ve got an exciting group again which now includes Shadab (Khan) … I feel like this is the year we’re going to dominate.
“One match that always stands out in the calendar is the Sydney Smash. When we beat the Sixers in the finals last season, I made sure to rub it in with a few of the Aussie boys who play for them. It’s always competitive, and fun, and I’m sure it’ll be a sellout this year.”
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said Konstas’ commitment was a major statement for the club’s future.
“This contract extension is one of the easiest decisions we’ve made,” Copeland said.
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“Since I started in this role, it’s been remarkable to watch Sam’s progression. This time last year he hadn’t played a BBL match, and to go from that to breaking records on debut – alongside his growth across other formats – shows just how far he’s come.
“This deal is huge in terms of tenure, and we see it as part of a journey that will hopefully make him a Thunder player for life.
“This extension not only rewards Sam’s progression and his lifelong love of the club but also tells our fans that when we have talent, we’re going to do our best to keep them in Thunder colours.
“Bring on the trophy this season, with Sam right there alongside Davey Warner and the boys lifting it up.”