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

[ad_1] 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 Checks, scoring a paltry 72 runs at a median of 14.40.

Konstas, 19, is predicted to open the batting with Usman Khawaja.

With Scott Boland anticipated to switch 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.

Sam Konstas is ready to make a Take a look at debut in Melbourne. ( AAP Images: Morgan Hancock )

"The squad supplies choices as to how we construction the XI for the ultimate two Checks of the sequence," chairman of selectors George Bailey stated.

"Sam will get a call-up to the Take a look at squad for the primary time. His fashion of batting presents some extent of distinction and we look ahead to watching his sport develop additional.

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"We stay assured Nathan has the power and temperament to succeed at Take a look at stage sooner or later. It was a tough resolution to depart him out.

"It has clearly been a problem on the high of the order for batters all through the sequence and we wish to present the choice of a special line-up for the following two matches."

Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for greater honours this summer time, 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 turned the youngest participant in competitors historical past to attain a half-century.

The proper-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 stated watching the primary three matches of the dramatic India sequence had solely heightened his want for a Take a look at debut.