Meet Sam Konstas’ Bangladeshi coach Tahmid Islam

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed an extraordinary debut from 19-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas.

However, his journey to this milestone has an intriguing Bangladeshi connection: his personal batting coach, Tahmid Islam.

Konstas, drafted into the Australian squad for the fourth Test against India, rose to the occasion with a fearless 60 off just 65 balls. Facing one of the world's premier bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Konstas showcased audacious strokes, including a reverse sweep and a scoop for boundaries.

The young batter also achieved a rare feat—hitting Bumrah for a six, ending the pacer's three-year streak of 4,483 deliveries without conceding one in Test cricket.

Tahmid Islam's role in Konstas' success has drawn significant attention, particularly after commentator Isha Guha highlighted his influence during the broadcast.

Based in Sydney, Tahmid has been coaching Konstas since his school days at Cranbrook School and has played a pivotal role in shaping the young batter's technique and mindset.

Tahmid Islam: from Dhaka Premier League to global coaching

Tahmid Islam's cricketing journey began in Bangladesh, where he was associated with Prime Bank Cricket Club in the Premier Division Cricket League in 2017, although he did not play any matches that season.

His career then took an international turn, with stints in Australia and England. He played for Western Suburbs in the Sydney Cricket Championship and for Essex and Yorkshire in England.

Tahmid also bowled in the nets for Bangladesh during the 2015 Cricket World Cup under then-coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who encouraged him to pursue opportunities in the Dhaka Premier League.

While Tahmid's playing career had its highlights, his reputation as a coach has been steadily growing. He has worked with the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket in the United States and collaborated with former Australian cricketer Shane Watson.

In an interview with The Age, Tahmid elaborated on his coaching dynamic with Watson and Konstas.

"I handle his technical training, while Shane focuses on the mental side. It's been a fantastic journey with the three of us. Shane has been amazing in taking on a mentoring role and helping him a lot in the mental space, as well as the technical side," he said.

A partnership that shaped a debutant

The decision to bring Tahmid into the Australian team's setup was unusual but pragmatic. Head coach Andrew McDonald and assistant coach Michael di Venuto had limited experience with Konstas, who was drafted into the squad mid-series.

Given his age and lack of exposure, the team allowed Tahmid to accompany him to Melbourne, ensuring continuity in his preparation.

Konstas' rapid rise can be traced back to his performances in domestic cricket, including a century for the Prime Minister's XI against India. His fearless batting, combined with Tahmid's technical guidance and Watson's mentorship, has positioned him as a promising talent for Australia.

Tahmid's credentials as a coach were further highlighted earlier this year when he worked with Watson in Major League Cricket. His achievements include winning the Gerard Price Medal as the Best First-Grade Player in Australian domestic cricket, where he took 53 wickets at an average of 11.08 and scored 152 runs in a season.

Konstas' debut: a day to remember

Konstas' debut at the MCG was nothing short of spectacular. Batting in front of 77,000 spectators, he scored a blistering 60, including four boundaries and two sixes.

He also set the record for the fastest fifty by an opener in Test cricket, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls.

The teenager's bold approach included facing down Virat Kohli in an on-field exchange, further cementing his fearless reputation.

At just 19, Konstas has become the second-youngest player to debut for Australia since Pat Cummins, and his debut innings has offered a glimmer of hope for Australia in the ongoing series against India.