Why Konstas believes he is in better order for Tests

Résumé détaillé

Sam Konstas says his batting is in a better place than when he last played for Australia, as selectors weigh up their squad for the first Test.

Sam Konstas says he is driven to return to Australia's Test team a more refined player, believing his game has changed, tactically, technically and mentally since his last chance.

Konstas rammed home his push for a Test recall with his second century of the Sheffield Shield season against South Australia this week, with a career-best 173.

Sent back to Shield cricket a year ago to work on his game, the NSW opener is now the leading run-scorer in the competition this season with 426 at an average 85.20.

Australia will name a squad for the first Test against New Zealand late in the week, with Konstas in the frame for a potential recall.

Any opening may need to be in the middle order, but David Warner did argue last month Konstas could bat No.3 for Australia with Marnus Labuschagne since axed.

Konstas himself was dropped after averaging 16.3 across his first 10 Test innings, but the 21-year-old is adamant his confidence never took a hit.

The right-hander also believes his game has changed technically, tactically and mentally since, with a 50-over century for NSW to go with his two red-ball tons this season.

"Obviously learning from my experiences in the past and then just trying to formulate a plan when I bat.

"I'm still taking the game on and having good intent, but then also understanding when to soak the pressure.

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