In a remarkable feat for the cricketing world, Sam Konstas, born on October 2, 2005, has achieved a significant milestone by making his debut in first-class cricket for New South Wales.
Adding to the momentous occasion, former Australian cricketer Shane Watson presented Konstas with his cap, establishing a special connection between the emerging talent and the cricketing legend.
It’s not every day one stumbles upon their childhood hero in the nets at a local cricket field.
But it happened for Sam Konstas — one of the highest-rated prospects in New South Wales cricket — when a chance meeting with Australian great Shane Watson altered the trajectory of his career forever.
“I was lucky enough to see him bat at the Woollahra Oval nets,” Konstas told foxsports.com.au.
“He was just such a nice bloke, I had a chat to him about his batting.
“He’s been my idol all my years watching him play. It’s just pretty crazy. Even talking to him gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
“He gives me so much advice. I’m like a sponge, trying to soak up as much information as I can.”
Watson now acts as a personal mentor to the batting prodigy, who has only just turned 18 and is preparing for the HSC.
Whatever advice Watson has passed on, it has most certainly worked.
Earlier this year Konstas broke the record for most First Grade runs in a season for Sutherland, a club where the likes of Watson, Steve Smith and Phil Jacques all came through before going on to enjoy a Test career for Australia.
Konstas also became the first player in Sutherland history to score 1000 runs across all grades in just his first season at the club having moved over from St George.
This remarkable achievement by the Greek-Australian prodigy not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a promising future for cricket in the region.
On today's side is another Greek Australian, Blake Nikitaras, following in his father's footsteps, Steve Nikitaras.
NSW Sheffield Shield Team: Ryan Hackney, Blake Nikitaras, Sam Konstas, Jason Sangha, Moises Henriques (c), Ollie Davies, Matthew Gilkes (wk), Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Jack Nisbet, Chris Tremain
