Konstas Backed by Head Coach Despite Struggles in West Indies Test Opener

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has backed teenage batting prodigy Sam Konstas despite the youngster’s disappointing outing in the first Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval, urging fans and selectors alike to show patience as the teenager finds his feet in international cricket.

Konstas, who made headlines with a dazzling debut fifty at the MCG against India, struggled to replicate that form in Bridgetown. On a tricky batting surface that tested even the most seasoned players, the 19-year-old managed just 3 and 5 in his two innings, looking uncertain at the crease and struggling with his shot selection.

“It felt like he was stuck at times—overaggressive one moment, then too passive the next,” McDonald said. “It’s really about finding that balance and tempo. That’s the challenge at Test level—dealing with pressure consistently. He’s got a good partner at the other end, and all we ask for is a bit of patience and time.”

Australia eventually overcame the early setbacks in Bridgetown, bouncing back from a first-innings total of 180 and a precarious 65/4 in the second to post 310, thanks to crucial contributions from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65). Their efforts swung momentum decisively in Australia’s favor and paved the way for a commanding 159-run win, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Reflecting on Konstas’ performance, McDonald noted the importance of experience and adaptability. “We’ve had discussions around what his approach might be if he finds himself in a similar situation again. He knows his deficiencies. He’ll learn to play with what he’s got. These players are on a journey—some get there faster than others.”

McDonald also praised his team’s resilience and the way the middle order responded under pressure, crediting the Head-Webster partnership as a turning point in the match. “We were definitely under pressure throughout the game. That partnership gave us a platform and something to bowl at. The pitch had a lot of seam and variable bounce, making batting difficult.”

Looking ahead to the second Test in Grenada, McDonald acknowledged the unpredictability of conditions. “It’s a step into the unknown. We’ll make an educated guess about what the surface might do. If the pitches remain similar, it could well be a pace-dominated series.”