'Uninhibited cricket': Latest record feat from 19yo 'freak' leaves fans ...

Sam Konstas has continued his remarkable summer with a record-breaking knock on his BBL debut that will only enhance his chances of a Test call-up.

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Sydney Thunder opener Konstas on Tuesday night became the youngest player to score a half-century on BBL debut with a scintillating 56 off 27 before Daniel Sams (42 not out off 18) struck gold late to reel in Adelaide’s total of 8-182 with two balls to spare.

Still only 19 and playing in his first BBL game, Konstas looked like a seasoned T20 master blaster with an array of shots that wowed the crowd, vanquished the visitors and left Aussie Test fans dreaming of what the future might look like.

It was fitting that his first game for the Thunder saw him open with former Test star David Warner, who was never afraid to play his shots and lit up the innings with a switch hit from the first ball he faced.

But he was sent packing for just seven which opened the door for his young protégé to let loose.

Konstas hit the first ball of the innings for four and backed it up with ramp shots to the rope, lofted cover drives and brutal pull shots as he brought up the fastest 50 in Thunder history off just 20 deliveries.

Aussie legend Michael Hussey said Konstas had “exceeded expectations” in his first game.

“What an innings,” Hussey told Fox Cricket. “Amazing performance.

“He’s 19 years of age, big stage, and he’s hardly mistimed a ball.

“Played some beautiful shots, he’s innovative, showed some power as well. It’s been a class innings.”

Fox Cricket’s Mark Waugh added: “Sam Konstas showed us his great array of shots. For a young man, he looks so confident.”

Sydney Sixers great Steve O’Keefe dubbed Konstas “The Greek Freak”, also lauding his ability to hit the ball “to all parts of the ground”.

Sam Konstas of the Thunder celebrates and acknowledges the crowd after scoring a half-century. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

“Isn’t it great when you’ve got someone like Dave Warner telling you during the pre-game and break to go out there and play with freedom – and this is exactly what you’re seeing: Uninhibited cricket,” O’Keefe told Fox Cricket.

“You’ve got the ramps, you’ve got the laps, you’ve got the shots inside-out over cover, you’ve got the strength with the pull shot.

“If it wasn’t for Nic Maddinson (being unavailable to play), he may not have got that opportunity, so good luck to him.

“I think all of Australia is looking forward to this kid and what he can produce in T20 cricket.”

Konstas’ knock left cricket pundits, reporters and fans gushing on social media.

The young gun has done some magical things this summer with twin tons for NSW in the Sheffield Shield before belting another century for the Prime Minister’s XI last month.

But this was on another level, with Konstas whacking eight boundaries and a couple of sixes before he was trapped in front by spinner Fabian Allen.

“He’s just calm and clear in his mind,” Warner said on the Fox Cricket coverage when asked about Konstas’ innings.

“It was actually exciting to go out and bat with him. I love that his chit chat was good. He’s playing with freedom, and that’s what you like from a youngster.”

Konstas said he was pumped to perform in front of loved ones.

“It’s quite special to have my family here and an awesome crowd as well,” he told Fox Cricket post-game.

“Getting a few runs and contributing was nice, but a lot of learnings from that.”

— NCA NewsWire