Konstas reportedly got off the mark with a crisp boundary down the ground off Krishna, while Kellaway, a 22-year-old from Victoria, adapted smartly to the conditions in an equally impressive knock on a tour that will serve as preparation for Australia’s next generation ahead of an important Test series there in 2027.
Konstas hit three sixes – all in front of square on the leg side – and 10 fours.
It continues a promising start to the season for Konstas, who struck a 146-ball century in a NSW intra-squad match earlier this month.
Konstas, who turns 20 next month, will feature in Australia A’s second four-day game from September 23 to 26 before returning home for the Blues’ Shield opener against Western Australia in Perth on October 4.
McSweeney was adjudged lbw for one off 13 balls, while Oliver Peake was out for two as Australia reached 4-236 after 50 overs of their innings.
Meanwhile, Konstas’ Blues teammates suffered a humiliating loss to Tasmania in a 50-over-a-side match despite a fighting hundred from Test candidate Kurtis Patterson in front of national selector George Bailey in Sydney.
Blues batsman Kurtis Patterson during his century on Tuesday. Credit: Getty Images
NSW were in the box seat for victory after Patterson’s sparkling 110 from 125 balls helped the Blues to 224 before Tasmania slumped to 4-42, with Beau Webster bowled by Ryan Hadley for a golden duck.
At 8-124 in the 26th over, Tasmania looked out of the contest, before No.8 Brad Hope (49 from 91 balls) and No.10 Matt Kuhnemann (56 from 71) put on an unbeaten century stand – the highest for the ninth wicket in the competition’s history – to steer the visitors to a dramatic win with four balls remaining.
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“Proud I was able to get some runs and start the season well but it’s a bit of a sour change room at the moment. We just couldn’t quite get over the line,” Patterson said.
Asked about his century, and Test prospects this summer, Patterson said he felt ready.
“I feel like I hit bottom there for a bit … in a weird way it feels like I’m on bonus time,” Patterson said. “I’m loving the challenges the game is bringing. Long may it continue as the season goes on.”
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