Sheffield Shield: Konstas, Patterson fail to impress in Ashes audition
What's the story
New South Wales (NSW) opener Sam Konstas's first Ashes audition of the summer ended in disappointment. The 20-year-old fell for just four runs off 25 balls on a rain-affected opening day at the WACA ground. His teammate Kurtis Patterson also didn't fare well, scoring just eight runs off 36 balls before rain interrupted play on Saturday in Perth. Here are further details.
Match details
Konstas falls for 4 runs
The match started with Western Australia winning the toss and sending NSW in to bat on a green, damp pitch under cloudy conditions. Despite being in good form after scoring a century for Australia A in India, Konstas struggled on the bowler-friendly surface at WACA. He survived two lbw appeals but was eventually trapped LBW by WA left-arm seamer Joel Paris after an impressive opening spell of eight overs with seven maidens.
Match progress
Rain halts play after 25.1 overs
When rain halted play in Perth, NSW was struggling at 35 for 3. Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies were trying to rebuild their innings after coming together at 23 for 3 in the 20th over. However, the rain stopped play after just 25.1 overs, preventing any further action from both teams.
Stats
Dissecting Konstas' stats in FC cricket
Konstas, who recently turned 20, owns 1,254 runs in First-Class cricket from 23 matches (41 innings). His average of under 32 is on the lower side. He owns three tons ans six fifties. In 5 Tests for Australia, he has 163 runs from 10 innings at 16.30. He has hit a solitary fifty. Recently, Konstas shone for Australia A in their 2 unofficial Tests against India A. He scored 109, 27*, 49 and 3 in the four outings.