Former Australian skipper Allan Border has expressed serious concerns about Sam Konstas’ constant reliance on the ramp shot in red-ball cricket. Speaking ahead of the Ashes 2025, Border urged the 20-year-old batter to shift his focus towards more conventional stroke play if he wants to establish himself at the Test level.
Konstas first caught attention during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG last year, when he fearlessly ramped India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. That shot, once a sign of promise, has now become a source of early dismissals. His recent tour to the West Indies, where he managed only 50 runs in three Tests, further highlighted the issue.
In domestic cricket and Australia ‘A’ matches, the pattern has remained inconsistent. Although the shot has occasionally produced runs, it has also led to several soft dismissals. Over his last 10 innings, Konstas has accumulated 319 runs at an average above 35, including a century and a half-century.
“Shelve the Ramp Shot,” Says Border
While speaking on SENQ Breakfast, the 1987 World Cup-winning captain made his stance clear with a blunt assessment.
“Sam Konstas, I have only ever seen him play a ramp shot,” Border said as quoted by Wisden. “Can he cover drive, or anything like that? I do not know. It’s all there, but I just have not seen any … I have seen him constantly try and play this bloody ramp shot. Okay, it is a handy shot to have in the kit bag, but I would leave it there for a while until I got a few on the board first,” said Border.
The Australian legend suggested that the youngster should put the ramp away until he’s well set at the crease. “Just give yourself a chance to get yourself in, just conventionally playing, and as your innings develops, yes, you play however you want to,” he said.
“There is lots of ways to make Test match runs, you do not have to play the ramp shot. He is good enough, from what I am hearing, but I just have not seen it yet. That is just me,” he added.
A Crucial Period Before Ashes Squad Selection
In 24 first-class matches, Konstas has scored 1,321 runs in 44 innings. He averages 31.45 with three centuries and seven fifties. With the Ashes squad announcement nearing, he has limited time to prove his adaptability. Strong performances could help him earn the selectors’ trust.
The first Test in Perth begins on November 21, and strong performances with the bat could help Konstas secure a spot in the squad. For now, all eyes will be on whether he takes Border’s advice and leans on textbook stroke play over flair.
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