Konstas finds 'clarity' in rapid 151no to put WA on the ropes

Sam Konstas issued an emphatic reminder of his talents with a stunning century, as NSW turned the screws on Western Australia in their round two Sheffield Shield encounter.

Konstas plundered an unbeaten 151 from 167 balls in front of national selector Tony Dodemaide, as the Blues declared their second innings at 5-262 and set WA 364 runs to win.

And the hosts' were in dire straits at 3-30 at stumps on day three at the WACA Ground after Ben Dwarshuis struck twice and Jack Edwards once.

Konstas also made 71 in the first innings in his first Shield outing on return from Australia A duties in India.

"I'm feeling very good, like I have a lot of clarity in the way I am batting," Konstas said.

"I feel like I am moving very nice. In (my) first game it was good to get some balls in and get a start.

"And just cashing in now with my start, so very happy."

Konstas was dropped from the Test team in July last year – after his whirlwind 60 on debut against India on Boxing Day 2024, he didn't pass 25 in his next nine innings before being omitted.

But the 21-year-old's ton against WA is timely given ongoing uncertainty over a Test opening slot, surprisingly given to Nic Maddinson for the current series in South Africa.

On Wednesday, Konstas produced a free-flowing century – he reached the milestone from 136 balls.

The right-hander then accelerated in an audacious knock highlighted by four sixes and 15 fours with NSW immediately declaring after the reached 150.

Told that Dodemaide was at the WACA Ground watching on, Konstas said: "I didn't realise he was here, but it's good to score a few runs".

Konstas' fifth first-class century came as his teammates largely struggled – Ryan Hicks (35no from 31 balls) was the only other batter to pass 22.

Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli claimed 3-90 from 19 overs, Jhye Richardson (1-41) and Liam Haskett (1-38).

WA's run chase faltered after a 29-run opening stand between Cameron Bancroft and Sam Whiteman.

Bancroft (11), Whiteman (17) and nightwatcher Rocchiccioli (0) were dismissed in an eight-ball span, with Dwarshius (2-5) and Edwards (1-0 from four overs) the successful bowlers.

The Blues declared their first innings at 6-440, with WA making all out for 339 in their first innings.

The hosts have also lost captain Aaron Hardie for the second innings after he injured his left shoulder while batting, replaced in the XI by Corey Wasley who makes his first-class debut as an injury substitute.

Round 1

Team	Matches played M	Wins W	Losses L	Ties T	Drawn D	No results N/R	Deductions Ded.	Batting Bonus Bat	Bowling Bonus Bowl	Total points PTS
1 Western Australia Men WA	3	2	0	0	1	0	0	2.53	2.5	18.03
2 South Australia Men SA	3	1	2	0	0	0	0	1.42	2.4	9.82
3 Tasmanian Tigers Men TAS	2	1	0	0	1	0	0	0.86	1.9	9.76
4 NSW Men NSW	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	4.75	1.9	8.65
5 Queensland Bulls QLD	2	1	1	0	0	0	-1	1.45	2	8.45
6 Victoria Men VIC	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0.51	1.6	2.11

Legend

M: Matches played

W: Wins

L: Losses

T: Ties

D: Drawn

N/R: No results

Ded.: Deductions

Bat: Batting Bonus

Bowl: Bowling Bonus

PTS: Total points