The opener scored only 4 runs and Kurtis Patterson was dismissed cheaply, leading to a poor start for New South Wales.
New South Wales 35 for 3 vs Western Australia
Sam Konstas` initial opportunity to impress for an Ashes spot during the new Sheffield Shield season ended poorly, as New South Wales struggled significantly against Western Australia on a rain-affected opening day at the WACA.
The NSW opener, who recently celebrated his 20th birthday, was dismissed for a mere 4 runs from 25 deliveries before rain brought an early end to play on Saturday in Perth. His teammate Kurtis Patterson also departed cheaply, scoring 8 runs off 36 balls. Western Australia, having won the toss, opted to bowl first without hesitation on a damp, green pitch beneath overcast conditions.
Konstas` disappointing performance contrasted with that of another potential Ashes candidate, Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald, who scored a solid 67 runs from 99 balls against Queensland in Brisbane on the same day.
By the time rain halted play in Perth, New South Wales found themselves in a precarious position at 35 for 3.
Konstas arrived in Perth with confidence, fresh from scoring a century for Australia A in India. However, batting proved considerably more challenging on the WACA`s bowler-friendly pitch. He managed to survive two lbw appeals, and wicketkeeper Joel Curtis even dropped a difficult chance off his inside edge from Matt Kelly`s bowling.
Despite these close calls, Western Australia`s left-arm seamer Joel Paris was eventually rewarded for his exceptional opening spell, trapping Konstas lbw. Paris`s impressive figures stood at 1 wicket for 1 run from eight overs, including seven maidens.
Cameron Gannon contributed by having Patterson caught behind, while Test all-rounder Cameron Green took a brilliant catch at second slip off spinner Corey Rocchiccioli to remove opener Blake Nikitaras for 9 runs from 57 balls.
Matthew Gilkes and Oliver Davies were attempting to stabilize the innings, having joined forces with the score at 23 for 3 in the 20th over. However, rain intervened after just 25.1 overs, preventing any further play for the day.
