Ian Healy might have lengthy retired from Check cricket, however the former wicketkeeper has give you one other brutal sledge forward of Australia’s first Check in opposition to West Indies beginning Wednesday in Barbados. After West Indies fast Shamar Joseph despatched out a warning be aware to younger Australian opener Sam Konstas, Healy has stepped in to say, “You aren’t Curtly Ambrose champ.”
Within the absence of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, Australia have given name ups to Konstas and Josh Inglis. Konstas, who made a powerful debut in opposition to India Down Underneath, is about to start out the primary Check giving himself a superb likelihood to show his credentials forward of the Ashes later this yr.
And Joseph, who famously bowled West Indies to an exhilarating over Australia on the Gabba in 2024, despatched a message to Konstas saying, “simply look out, that’s all.”
Reacting to it, Healy mentioned, “He’s (Joseph) picked on the 19 year-old once more,” Healy informed SENQ Breakfast co-host Corey Parker. “He’s had a horrible yr since he went by way of us on the Gabba. He had this toe that had blown up and didn’t suppose he may play, he received out of his harm mattress after somebody mentioned simply come down and check out it, after which he realised ‘oh you possibly can play with ache. Shamar has come out at present and mentioned (to Konstas)’ simply look out and watch what’s coming’.
“OK Shamaar effectively you’ve delivered crap all yr. So he higher enhance, that’s what I’m saying within the dressing room. He’s received actual hassle. You’re not Curtly Ambrose champ,” Healy mentioned in a pointed reference.
Although Konstas has simply kick-started his Check profession, he has already been concerned in a few heated exchanges together with one with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. And forward of their sequence, Joseph used the press convention to ship a message to the opener, which the Australian sides of the previous have finished constantly.
Australia are going to the sequence with out Labuschagne, who has been dropped from the group after a string of low scores. Healy mentioned, Labuschagne has it in him to make a fast comeback. “They’re nonetheless, you understand, recognizing his worth, and so they (the selectors) anticipate him to work his manner by way of it. He’s solely 30/31. He’s received time. I would definitely put it up as a suggestion, Marnus to Glamorgan and provides him loads of respiratory house and time to actually. Now that it’s finished, you understand, the uncertainty whether or not I’m gonna get dropped or whether or not I’m enjoying. That’s been in all probability the final 6 months for him. Now he can breathe. Now get your method proper and get enjoying.”