Sam Konstas rewarded with Cricket Australia contract ahead of World Test Championship and Ashes

The teen sensation has received the biggest possible boost before returning to the Australian team.

Teenage sensation Sam Konstas has been rewarded with his first Cricket Australia contract following his stunning Boxing Day Test debut.

The NSW opener was left out of both Tests in Sri Lanka after selectors preferred Travis Head at the top of the order with veteran Usman Khawaja.

But the 19-year-old looms as the next star of Australian cricket and remains firmly in the frame for the World Test Championship final, the tour of the West Indies, then the home Ashes next summer.

Konstas joins spinner Matt Kuhnemann and Tasmania allrounder Beau Webster as additions to the contract list for the 2025-26 season.

New players are promoted on contracts worth around $350,000 as a base before match payments.

Kuhnemann starred across two Tests in Sri Lanka, before having to deal with clearing his name after being reported for a suspect action.

Matt Kuhnemann has had another big win after clearing his name. Credit: AAP

Webster had already been upgraded last season, but has been retained following a stunning ascension to Test level for the Border-Gavaskar series decider in January.

“Matt (Kuhnemann) was outstanding once again in Sri Lanka and we believe he can play a key role across the next 18 months,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.

“In Beau’s case he proved more than comfortable at Test level with bat and ball, adds an additional dimension in the field and to the balance of the side.

“With Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh returning there will be welcome and healthy competition for places for the World Test Championship and West Indies tours.

“In Sam we see promising upside in a young player who will continue to develop at first-class level and in the international environment.”

CRICKET AUSTRALIA MEN’S CONTRACTS 2025-26: Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.