Legend of Team Australia On ‘Sam Konstas’ Call Up For India Test
Nineteen-year-old opener Sam Konstas is poised for a potential Test debut in the iconic Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His selection comes after Nathan McSweeney was dropped following a disappointing run of form, having scored only 72 runs in six innings across three Tests. McSweeney's struggles, particularly against India's formidable bowling attack, prompted selectors to make a change.
Cricket legend Mike Hussey hailed Konstas's call-up as an “exciting” opportunity for the young talent. If he plays, Konstas will become Australia's youngest Test debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011 and the youngest specialist batter to debut since Ian Craig in 1953. His recent performances have been impressive, including two centuries in the Sheffield Shield and a blistering 56 off 27 balls in his BBL debut.
Head selector George Bailey acknowledged the tough decision to drop McSweeney, emphasizing the need for a different approach at the top of the order. “It was a really hard decision,” Bailey stated, highlighting the challenges faced by openers this summer. As Australia prepares for the Boxing Day Test, expectations are high for Konstas to make a significant impact on his debut, marking a new chapter in his burgeoning career.