Australian selectors have dropped opener Nathan McSweeney for the Boxing Day Take a look at towards India, with NSW rising star Sam Konstas within the body to make his debut on the MCG.
McSweeney did not impress in his first three Exams, scoring a paltry 72 runs at a mean of 14.40.
Konstas, 19, is anticipated to open the batting with Usman Khawaja.
With Scott Boland anticipated to exchange the injured Josh Hazlewood within the XI in Melbourne, Jhye Richardson and Beau Webster have been named as alternate fast-bowling choices, whereas all-rounder Sean Abbott has additionally been included within the 15-man squad.
Sam Konstas is ready to make a Take a look at debut in Melbourne. (AAP Photographs: Morgan Hancock)
“The squad supplies choices as to how we construction the XI for the ultimate two Exams of the collection,” chairman of selectors George Bailey mentioned.
“Sam will get a call-up to the Take a look at squad for the primary time. His model of batting presents some extent of distinction and we look ahead to watching his recreation develop additional.
“We stay assured Nathan has the power and temperament to succeed at Take a look at stage sooner or later. It was a tough choice to go away him out.
“It has clearly been a problem on the prime of the order for batters all through the collection and we wish to present the choice of a special line-up for the following two matches.”
Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for greater honours this summer time, turning into the youngest participant since Ricky Ponting to attain two centuries in the identical Sheffield Protect match.
On BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder earlier this week, he grew to become the youngest participant in competitors historical past to attain a half-century.
The appropriate-hander additionally recorded a century enjoying for the Prime Minister’s XI towards India at Manuka Oval.
On Thursday, previous to his call-up, Konstas mentioned watching the primary three matches of the dramatic India collection had solely heightened his want for a Take a look at debut.
“It motivates me a bit extra,” he mentioned.
“Clearly it might be a dream come true if I received that chance.
“We’ll see what occurs.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1 heading into the fourth Take a look at.
ABC/AAP
