Sam Konstas's key message to selectors as Test incumbents continue to struggle against India

[ad_1] Sam Konstas says he's already a greater batter than the one who began the summer season with twin tons for NSW, as selectors weigh up Australia's squad for Boxing Day.

The shining gentle of cricket's subsequent era, Konstas has discovered himself again within the choice debate after Australia's prime order failed once more on the Gabba.

Whereas Australia have been the higher crew over the previous two Exams, the attract Brisbane has left the sequence at 1-1 and India one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Selectors have been on account of meet on Thursday to debate plans for the penultimate fourth Check in Melbourne, with a squad to be introduced as quickly as Friday.

Pat Cummins defends Australian selectors after Darren Lehmann's criticism Australia's present Check captain does not imagine chief selector George Bailey is just too near the gamers, regardless of strategies made out of Australia's former coach.

Australia are assured to make one change to their XI, with Scott Boland anticipated to come back in for Josh Hazlewood after his series-ending calf damage.

The warmth additionally stays on Australia's openers, with neither Usman Khawaja or Nathan McSweeney locking of their spot this summer season in opposition to a rampant Jasprit Bumrah.

Khawaja turned 38 on Wednesday and has now gone 11 Check innings with out scoring a half-century.

His sequence common of 12.6 can also be the bottom of any Australia opener in a house Check sequence of not less than three matches since Matthew Elliott's in opposition to South Africa in 1997.

McSweeney was gutsy in Adelaide however can also be but to indicate the opening position is correct for him after solely batting there for the primary time for Australia A final month.

On the similar time, Konstas has been knocking on the door in home cricket.

The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer season, catapulting into competition in October when he turned the youngest participant since Ricky Ponting to hit twin tons in a Sheffield Defend recreation.

Usman Khawaja's ailing type is turning into a priority for Australia's Check selectors. ( Getty Photographs: Albert Perez/Cricket Australia )

Konstas endured a short lean patch after that however believes he's a greater batter now than in October.

"I am understanding the situations of the sport and when to tackle the sport," Konstas mentioned.

"Attempting to mature as a batter.

"Clearly, I'll make some foolish errors however I believe understanding when to take the sport on [is an area I've improved in]."

Konstas has scored 107 in opposition to India for the Prime Minister's XI, a Sheffield Defend 88 for NSW and a quickfire 56 for Sydney Thunder within the BBL up to now three weeks.

However the opener mentioned he had blocked out the latest choice discuss, as his possibilities of a debut loomed as a when-not-if state of affairs.

For now, he takes the possibility to choose the mind of David Warner, opening alongside him for the Thunder.

"I am making an attempt to be taught from him every time I bat with him," Konstas mentioned.

"[He's taught me] to attempt to be fearless and take the sport on. No matter occurs, occurs."

Konstas's feedback got here after captain Pat Cummins mentioned Australia's second-innings collapse to 7-88 on the Gabba shouldn't be held in opposition to the highest order, because the facet pursued fast runs within the in the end drawn Check.

Cummins additionally defended chief selector George Bailey's shut relationship with gamers and mentioned the panel had confirmed they might make robust calls.

Australia have carried Josh Inglis and Beau Webster as reserves, whereas questions have been requested of Mitch Marsh's spot after the all-rounder solely bowled two overs in Brisbane.