Australia drops Nathan McSweeney for Boxing Day Test against ...
3 hours agoFri 20 Dec 2024 at 4:07am
Nathan McSweeney (left) has made way for Sam Konstas in Australia's squad for the fourth Test against India. (Getty Images)
Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the Australian Test team after struggling in his first three games as its opening batter
Nineteen-year-old rising star Sam Konstas has been called up and is expected to open at the MCG on Boxing Day
What's next?The series is locked at 1-1 ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne, before a potentially decisive fifth Test in Sydney in the new year
Australian selectors have dropped opener Nathan McSweeney for the Boxing Day Test against India, with NSW rising star Sam Konstas in the frame to make his debut at the MCG.
McSweeney failed to impress in his first three Tests, scoring a paltry 72 runs at an average of 14.40.
Konstas, 19, is expected to open the batting with Usman Khawaja.
With Scott Boland expected to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the XI in Melbourne, Jhye Richardson and Beau Webster have been named as alternate fast-bowling options, while all-rounder Sean Abbott has also been included in the 15-man squad.
Sam Konstas is set to make a Test debut in Melbourne. (AAP Photos: Morgan Hancock)
"The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series," chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
"Sam gets a call-up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further.
"We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.
"It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line-up for the next two matches."
Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for higher honours this summer, becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.
On BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder earlier this week, he became the youngest player in competition history to score a half-century.
The right-hander also recorded a century playing for the Prime Minister's XI against India at Manuka Oval.
On Thursday, prior to his call-up, Konstas said watching the first three matches of the dramatic India series had only heightened his desire for a Test debut.
"It motivates me a bit more," he said.
"Obviously it would be a dream come true if I got that opportunity.
"We'll see what happens."
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1 heading into the fourth Test.
ABC/AAP
