Australia has made a major change for the fourth Test. The team has decided to give 19-year-old opener Sam Constas a chance for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. With two matches left in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both games are crucial for the teams. Australia has placed a big bet on Constas, who impressed with a blistering century against India in a practice match for the PM XI, scoring 107 runs off just 97 balls. He also hit a fifty against India A before the series, sparking discussions about his inclusion in the team.
Nathan McSweeney to Be Dropped
Opening has been a significant issue for Australia. In the three matches played so far, none of the openers have scored more than 40 runs in an innings. Experienced Usman Khawaja and 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney have struggled, especially against Jasprit Bumrah. McSweeney, who debuted in this series, has scored only 72 runs in six innings at an average of 14.40. He failed to cross double digits in five out of six innings.
Due to this, the Australian management has decided to make changes. According to reports from Code Sports and The Sydney Morning Herald, McSweeney will be dropped for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. On Friday, December 20, Sam Konstas is expected to be officially included in Australia’s squad for the fourth match. Australia aims to counter Bumrah with their new batting sensation, Konstas.
Konstas Keen to Debut Against India
After scoring a century against India for the PM XI, Konstas expressed his desire to play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 19-year-old said he is eagerly waiting for an opportunity. Following the three thrilling matches between India and Australia, Konstas’s determination has only grown stronger. Recently, he reiterated his desire, saying the drama and excitement of the series have increased his ambition to debut against India.
Konstas’s Performance
Still early in his career, Konstas has played only 11 first-class matches, scoring 718 runs at an average of 42.23, including two centuries and three half-centuries. In October this year, he showcased his talent in the domestic one-day tournament, Sheffield Shield, scoring two centuries in the same match. Konstas made 152 and 105 runs in two innings, further cementing his reputation as a promising talent.