Aussies drop McSweeney for Boxing Day Test, Konstas in the mix to debut

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 Assessments, 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.

“The squad gives choices as to how we construction the XI for the ultimate two Assessments of the sequence,” chairman of selectors George Bailey mentioned.

“Sam will get a call-up to the Take a look at squad for the primary time. His fashion of batting presents a degree of distinction and we sit up for watching his recreation develop additional.

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“We stay assured Nathan has the power and temperament to succeed at Take a look at degree sooner or later. It was a troublesome choice to depart him out.

“It has clearly been a problem on the prime of the order for batters all through the sequence and we need to present the choice of a special line-up for the subsequent two matches.”

Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for greater honours this summer season, changing 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 fitting-hander additionally recorded a century taking part in 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 sequence had solely heightened his want for a Take a look at debut.

“It motivates me a bit extra,” he mentioned.

“Clearly it will be a dream come true if I bought 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