Australia vs India: Nathan McSweeney dropped & Sam Konstas called up for Boxing Day Test
Australia dropped Nathan McSweeney and called up 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas to replace him for the last two Tests against India.
NSW’s Constas is expected to become Australia’s youngest men’s Test batsman since Ian Craig in 1953.
McSweeney was favored over Constas at the start of the series, but he scored just 72 runs in six innings at an average of 14.40.
Australia chief selector George Bailey said the selection of Constas presented an opportunity to “throw something different” to India’s bowling attack.
“I think Sam’s approach and style is different than Nathan’s, should we go that route?” he said.
Earlier this season, Konstas scored twice in the Sheffield Shield against South Australia, becoming the youngest player to do so since Ricky Ponting in 1993.
If the right-hander is selected, he will become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since current captain Pat Cummins, who was 18 years and 193 days old in 2011 against South Africa.
Seamer Jhye Richardson, who last played a Test in the 2021-22 Ashes, has also been recalled due to an injury to Josh Hazlewood.
Speedster Sean Abbott and all-rounder Beau Webster, both of whom have not played at Test level, have been retained in the squad having been called up but not selected in the series before Eleven-man squad.
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, like McSweeney, have struggled at the top of the table but have retained their places in the squad location in.
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne will begin at 23:30 GMT on December 25, with the series tied at 1-1.
Play-by-play commentary will be available on the BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sport websites and apps, which will also feature video highlights (all UK users only).
Australia’s last two Test line-ups against India: Pat Cummins (captain), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis , Usman Khawaja, Sam Constas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jay Richardson, Mitchell Star G. Beau Webster
