Despite proving his worth in the Test series against India, Sam Konstas failed to retain his spot in the playing XI against Sri Lanka. Australia preferred Travis Head to partner with Usman Khawaja as the flamboyant batter has terrific numbers in the sub-continent.

Selectors then made the decision to send him back home in time for New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland to give him some time out in the middle ahead of a possible berth in the World Test Championship final, where Head will slot back down into the middle order.

Cricket NSW supports the national selection panel's decision to send Sam Konstas home early from Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.

Australia cricketer Sam Konstas has left the ongoing Sri Lanka Test tour midway to play the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales. Although he had a promising debut against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Konstas was left out due to his inexperience on spin-friendly Asian pitches.

Sam Konstas has been excluded from the Australian squad during the Sri Lanka Tour and set to play in Sheffield Shield game

Despite an impressive first two Tests and being replaced at the top of the batting order by Travis Head in the series opener in Galle, the young opener is heading home to play Sheffield Shield cricket for NSW.

Sam Konstas' Sri Lanka tour is officially over with the teenage star returning to Australia to play Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales. Despite an impressive first two Tests, Konstas was replaced at the top of the batting order by the more experienced Travis Head in last week's series opener in Galle.