Former Test skipper Michael Clarke has urged national cricket selectors to consider positioning NSW batting sensation Sam Konstas as a “project player” in the near future as Australia’s search for an opener continues. Konstas made headlines around the country after peeling off a chanceless maiden Sheffield Shield century for the Blues against South Australia on Tuesday, finishing on 152 after opening the innings in front of Australia’s chief selector George Bailey.

A little over a month out from the start of the five-Test series against India, Australia’s batting order is still not settled as injury to Cameron Green and uncertainty over Usman Khawaja’s opening partner dominates talk. With Steve Smith set to return to his more accustomed No.4 role, there’s been a push to promote Travis Head to the top of the order.

But critics – headed by ex-Australia captain Ian Chappell – are against the move, arguing the left-hander’s ultra-aggressive approach won’t succeed against quality Test attacks. Former Test opener Marcus Harris presented his case with a ton for Victoria on the opening day of the season, while Cameron Bancroft was out for a duck as WA’s top order crumbled.

Michael Clarke blown away by Sam Konstas century

But it was Konstas’ knock that blew Clarke away. When it was suggested a 19-year-old making a Shield century would have been huge news in his playing days, Clarke told the Big Sports Breakfast: “You’d be close (to being picked) in the next squad, the next Australian touring party. You’d be close to being in it, certainly as an opening batsman.

“It was a good wicket, they’re (South Australia) not the greatest attack, but this kid is a star. He’s been successful at junior level, he’s got all the shots, he’s got a good technique. Batting at the top of the order in Shield cricket, international cricket, is one of the hardest jobs as a cricketer, and he took it on yesterday.

“It’s a start, it’s baby steps, but keep an eye out for Sam. He’s extremely talented, has a great work ethic and he’s batting in a position where we’re having conversations around who’s the person to replace David Warner.”

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Michael Clarke urges Test selectors to look to the future

Clarke is concerned with the lack of youth in the Australian line-up, with Green at 25 the only player under 30. “You look at this Australian team, there’s a lot of older players in that group,” he said. “So if you’re ever going to bring a youngster in, why wouldn’t you give him a crack when there’s a lot of senior players around him?

“I’m not saying Sam is ready to open the batting for Australia right now, but it’s a selector’s job to have a look at the player, the age, the team you’re going into, the opposition, the kid’s technique. All these things come into contention. The fact we’ve got a young superstar making runs at the out of the order…I’m really happy for him.”