Sam Konstas, 19, has been called up for the remaining two BGT 2024 Tests, as Nathan McSweeney was dropped as Australia made some big changes to its squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests.
While Konstas has been included due to a solid run of form since being snubbed at the start of the series, following his participation in Australia A's matches against India A, it is unclear whether he will play on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
Josh Inglis, the spare batter during the series to date, is expected to remain in the squad and could be an option if the selectors want to get creative.
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the BGT 2024 due to injury in the Brisbane Test. Australia has also added Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster to the squad for the final two matches of the series.
"The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series. Sam gets a call-up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further,” George Bailey, chief selector stated.
Bailey said that Australia is still counting on McSweeney's potential and it was a difficult decision to drop him from the squad for the 3rd and the 4th Test. McSweeney, who had never opened in professional cricket before this season, has made 72 runs at 14.40 in the first three Tests.
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him four times out of six.
"We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out. It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line-up for the next two matches,” he added.
Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson undisputedly remain the top two options to replace Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI for Australia.
"In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer," he added.
The fourth Test in Melbourne will begin on December 26 and the final Test will be played in Sydney from January 3rd.
Australia squad for Melbourne and Sydney Tests vs India
Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Travis Head(VC), Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
(Cricket.co.au inputs)
