Young batter Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the first Ashes Test against England, with Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald handed his first international call-up.
Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed the 15-man squad on Wednesday, November 5, saying the selection gives Australia “a host of options” ahead of the Perth Test.
Bailey praised Weatherald’s consistent form, 1,391 runs at an average of 53.50 over the past 14 months, but also noted that Konstas had taken his omission “very well.”
“Every conversation with Sam is a joy,” Bailey said.
“He’s got a great outlook on life. He remains incredibly upbeat. The scrutiny on him is almost unprecedented on some levels. We just talked about how he’s feeling and what we can do to support him. As complicated as we try and make cricket, really it’s about runs.”
Konstas’ exclusion comes after a challenging start to the domestic season.
