George Bailey sympathises for Sam Konstas after a summer spent under the microscope

Steve Waugh sees similarities between the early stages of his own career and the Sam Konstas situation, after the young star was dropped for the first Ashes Test.

One of the most talked-about talents in the country, Konstas is set to be left to find his game in the Sheffield Shield this summer after missing out on Australia’s Ashes squad.

The opener could still be given time in the Prime Minister’s XI or Cricket Australia XI against touring England sides, beyond playing for NSW.

Chief selector George Bailey admitted on Wednesday he felt for Konstas and the scrutiny he was under, claiming it seemed like even when he farted it caused a headline.

Waugh also said he sympathised with the opener, having himself debuted as a 20-year-old before spending time out of the Australian team years later.

“He actually reminds me of myself when I first started playing for Australia,” the former Test captain said.

“Just not fully confident of being in the side, and up and down and form a bit not quite there.”

Since bursting on to the scene with a flurry of scoop shots on Boxing Day last year, Konstas has not added another half-century to the 60 he hit against India at the MCG.

“It’s really hard to learn how to play Test cricket while you’re playing Test cricket, and that’s what happened to me for a couple of years,” Waugh said.

“So I’d go back to Shield cricket, try and build some long innings, bat for as long as you can, just get to know your game really well.

“I think right now he’s probably guessing how he should play. There are a lot of expectations, so he’s probably not playing with a clear mind.”

Waugh’s comments came before Bailey confirmed the uncapped Jake Weatherald would join Usman Khawaja as a specialist opener in the first Test squad.

Marnus Labuschagne could also be the man to replace Konstas at the top, if he is brought in as an opener and not a No.3.

“I feel for Sammy because I feel like at the moment if he farts it’s a headline,” Bailey said.

“There’s a handful of young guys his age playing Shield cricket throughout the country and they are all learning to become the best cricketers they can be.

“Sammy is no different to that.

“We really like him, there’s an investment in him. The message is just to keep it simple, score runs and bat for as long and (in the most) helpful way as you can for NSW.”

Speaking later on Wednesday, Bailey said his line about Konstas “wasn’t a joke”.

“The amount of headlines he gets just for playing is extraordinary compared to other players around the country in similar positions,” Bailey said.

“The scrutiny on him is almost unprecedented on some levels.”