Australian selectors have decided to replace Nathan McSweeney with Sam Konstas for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India. McSweeney did not perform well in his first three Tests, scoring only 72 runs at an average of 14.40. On the other hand, Konstas, a 19-year-old rising star from NSW, is expected to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.
In addition to this change, Scott Boland is likely to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the XI for the Melbourne Test. Jhye Richardson and Beau Webster are also named as alternate fast-bowling options, with all-rounder Sean Abbott included in the 15-man squad.
Chairman of selectors, George Bailey, mentioned that the squad provides flexibility in structuring the team for the remaining Tests of the series. He expressed confidence in Nathan’s abilities despite the decision to drop him for this match.
Konstas has been performing exceptionally well this season, making a strong case for his selection in the Test squad. He recently made headlines by scoring two centuries in a Sheffield Shield match, becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to achieve this feat. Additionally, he scored a half-century on his BBL debut and a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.
Ahead of his Test debut, Konstas expressed his excitement and motivation to represent his country in the ongoing series against India. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the batters in the series and expressed his readiness for the opportunity to play at the highest level.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently tied at 1-1 as both teams gear up for the fourth Test at the MCG.
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