In a recent announcement, it was reported that batter Nathan McSweeney has been excluded from Australia’s squad for the upcoming Melbourne and Sydney Tests against India, making way for uncapped opener Sam Konstas. The squad for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar series has been unveiled, with Konstas being a notable inclusion, indicating a potential debut for him. If selected, he would become the youngest Australian Test debutant since skipper Pat Cummins in 2011.
McSweeney is the sole player omitted from the team that faced India in Brisbane, having managed only 72 runs in six innings across three Tests this series. Australia appears to be seeking improved performance as they aim for a spot in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final. Konstas has shown promise in his recent performances, notably during the Prime Minister's XI match against India and the ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
With Josh Hazlewood ruled out for the rest of the series due to a calf injury, pace bowlers Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson have also been added to the 15-player squad. Selection chair George Bailey expressed confidence in Konstas’s abilities and indicated that the inclusion of Abbott, Richardson, and all-rounder Beau Webster enhances the squad's balance. He acknowledged the challenges faced by batters at the top of the order throughout the series and emphasised the need for a fresh lineup moving forward.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.