Teenage Australia opener Sam Konstas's international career has begun on a promising note, but former Australia allrounder Kerry O'Keeffe has spotted a flaw in the youngster's forward defence that, he feels, can harm his Test career if not addressed soon.
Making his debut in the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne, Konstas took on the Indian bowlers, which included a ramp shot for six against Jasprit Bumrah, and scored 60 off 65 balls in his first innings for Australia. However, he was cleaned up by Bumrah for just 8 in the second innings.
O'Keeffe, who does cricket commentary now, said Konstas has trouble playing in-swinging deliveries, which causes him trouble while coming forward to defend, and the Indian bowlers have spotted that.
"The Indian tacticians have identified a problem with the forward defence of Sam Konstas. This flaw has now been exposed on the global stage and will likely be targeted by bowling units around the world," O'keefe said.
Sharing his observations during commentary on Fox Cricket, O'Keeffe added: "Sam's front shoulder, he loses it completely and just plays with his hands. He's pushing his hands at the ball away from his body. The gap was created, and Bumrah went through it. He doesn’t need too many invitations".
In the second innings, Bumrah strategically bowled a series of outswingers before catching Konstas off-guard with a precise in-swinger that knocked over his wickets.
