Sam Konstas' brilliant act for fan who crashed car trying to meet young Aussie cricket star
The Sydney Thunder released extraordinary footage of the teenage cricket star.
Sam Konstas has promised to deliver some signed merchandise to the fan who crashed his car trying to meet the Aussie cricket star in Sydney. The Sydney Thunder released CCTV footage on Wednesday night showing Konstas walking through the carpark at Cricket Central in western Sydney on his way to a practice session.
As Konstas walks along a white car can be seen driving past and the driver obviously recognised the cricket star. The male driver quickly performs a reverse park into the nearest spot (which was actually a disabled spot) before getting out and running over to try and meet Konstas.
But the driver obviously forgot to put the car in 'park' or put the handbrake on because as soon as he exited the vehicle it starts rolling. The man noticed his car rolling away and quickly ran back across the road, but wasn't quick enough to prevent it crashing into another car parked in the lot.
A costly attempt at a photo with Sam Konstas. 🫣 #AUSvIND
(🎥: thunderbbl/IG) pic.twitter.com/mePkJlQ0D3— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) January 15, 2025
Sam Konstas hoping to give cricket fan some signed merch
The footage has gone viral on social media, with many saying it shows how popular Konstas has become in such a short period of time since making his Test debut on Boxing Day at the MCG. It's not known what damage was caused to the cars, but the man is probably looking at a hefty bill.
Teammates showed Konstas the video ahead of Friday's clash between the Thunder and Sixers, which will serve as the teenager's final game before flying out for Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka that begins later this month. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Konstas said he hopes to catch up with the fan before he ships out for a training camp in the UAE before the two Tests in Galle.
"Hopefully I'll see him later today and sign some stuff. But yeah, hopefully he's all good," Konstas sad. "I didn't even know (he was chasing me). It wasn't funny, but hopefully he's all good. But I saw the clip and, yeah, it was a bit viral."
Brad Haddin leaves Sam Konstas out of predicted Aussie XI
Meanwhile, former Test wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has added his voice to suggestions Konstas might be axed for the first Test against Sri Lanka later this month. The 19-year-old was a revelation on debut against India, making a quick-fire 60 in his first innings at the MCG.
He fell cheaply in his other three innings, but his aggressive approach against Jasprit Bumrah turned the series in Australia's favour and helped them win 3-1. Nevertheless, some have suggested Konstas might find himself sitting on the bench when Australia plays the first Test in Sri Lanka on January 29.
RELATED:
Aussies reject Michael Clarke plea after fury over 'ridiculous' move
Players' wives hit with bans in staggering fallout to ill-fated Aussie tour
Selectors are believed to be keen on Travis Head opening the batting in the subcontinent as he struggles when facing spin straight away down at No.5. If Head is promoted to the top, it could mean Konstas or Usman Khawaja could shift down to No.5, and Khawaja has batted in the middle order many times in his career.
But according to Haddin, Konstas might find himself dropped from the side and replaced by debutant Josh Inglis in the middle order. Speaking on the 'Willow Talk' cricket podcast this week, Haddin predicted his Aussie XI for the first Test and didn't include Konstas.
The former Test vice-captain named Head and Khawaja at the top and predicted Inglis would make his debut at No.5. But Haddin said it was more a call due to the spin-friendly conditions than Konstas being dropped on form.
"If he's not in the team I'd imagine he'd come straight back in when they go to the West Indies (in July) when it's more traditional Test cricket," Haddin said. "It'll be a good learning experience for him and he might still play, but this is what I think could happen."
Will Scott Boland keep his place in Aussie Test team?
Former Test captain Tim Paine also said last week he doesn't see how Konstas fits into the Aussie XI if Head was to open. Meanwhile, Haddin predicted the Aussies will play two fast bowlers and two spinners in the first Test, meaning Scott Boland would retain his spot. But the more popular opinion is Mitchell Starc will be the lone paceman in the XI alongside three spinners because of the conditions.