2nd Test, Day 1 highlights, results, latest updates; Michael Clarke wary of 'surprising' Sam Konstas call

The decision not to play Sam Konstas in either of the two Sri Lanka Tests has baffled former Australian captain Michael Clarke.

Konstas was left out of the side for the first Test, as selectors opted to elevate Travis Head to opener alongside Usman Khawaja.

He would go on to make a quickfire 57 off just 40 balls to lay the platform for Australia's massive first innings total that would win them the match.

Ahead of the second Test, Konstas was flown home in order to return to the Sheffield Shield.

Speaking on ESPN's Around the Wicket podcast, Clarke said this tour, as well as the upcoming three-Test tour to the West Indies, should have been a perfect proving ground for Konstas.

"After the start Sam had, certainly the talk around how talented this young player is, I was surprised he didn't play and wasn't given that opportunity," he said.

Sam Konstas was flown home from Sri Lanka in order to return to the Sheffield Shield. Getty

"I believe on that pitch, against that attack, he would've had success. It would've been good for him to play in those conditions and start as a young man to learn what international cricket is all about outside Australia."

Clarke also conceded opening with Head was the right call, but explained the prospect of losing several senior players in one fell swoop could cause issues.

Clarke was a part of the Australian team that lost Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath to retirement after the same match.

"It's been the saying the whole summer - when is the right time going to come to slowly produce or allow some of this young talent to be a part of this Australian set up, and not lose two or three senior players in one go.

"That's my only fear, because I went through it. I saw a very successful Australian team lose three senior players in one go, and we went from No.1 in the world to No.5 in the world. It had a huge impact.

"I'd hate to see the Australian team go through that same process. I think at some stage, we're going to have to keep the faith with some of these young players.

"I thought two Test matches in Sri Lanka, and then (three) in the West Indies as well, was a good opportunity to give someone like Sam a crack."

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