MELBOURNE—Teenage batting prodigy Sam Konstas is set for a dream Boxing Day Test debut against India. The 19-year-old will replace Nathan McSweeney in Australia’s 15-man squad for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar series. Australia is looking to bolster its top-order batting after struggles from experienced players.
If Konstas takes the field at the MCG, he will become the fourth-youngest player to don the coveted baggy green. Cricket legend Mark Waugh is confident Konstas will open the batting, predicting a bright Test future for the young talent. “He’ll open, I reckon he’s a certainty to open,” Waugh stated on Fox Cricket. “I think they’ve selected him with the thought process that they need a bit more positive stroke play at the top of the order, particularly with Usman and Marnus struggling slightly. Nathan McSweeney wasn’t scoring either. So I think the young, more aggressive player will play.”
However, Konstas’s selection has sparked controversy, with Michael Hussey arguing that McSweeney’s axing was unfair. McSweeney hadn’t reached 40 in his three Tests, but Hussey contends that the challenging batting conditions should be considered. “I think it’s a very tough call,” Hussey said. “It’s exciting for Sam. It’s a great opportunity for him, but it is a tough call because it hasn’t been easy for the opening batters from either team. The ball’s been moving around a bit. It’s not going to be that easy just to come out and be aggressive against someone like Bumrah on pitches with plenty in it.” Hussey also pointed out that while the top order hadn’t scored heavily, they had occupied valuable time at the crease, allowing middle-order batsmen like Travis Head and Alex Carey to flourish.
Waugh believes the selectors prioritized winning the remaining Tests and the World Test Championship qualification over long-term planning. “They’re not worrying about the future as much,” Waugh explained. “This is a huge series, and you’ve got the World Test Championship, with that carrot dangling away as well. So, I think the selectors are considering the MCG and SCG tests. What’s our best team to win those two Test matches?” He suggested McSweeney was dropped due to the need for more aggressive batting and the reluctance to drop more established players like Khawaja or Labuschagne.
This sentiment was echoed by Michael Clarke, who believes Khawaja should have been dropped instead of McSweeney, given his struggles in the series. “I think the selectors have got this wrong,” Clarke stated. He also raised concerns about the long-term implications of dropping McSweeney, questioning his future selection prospects.
Despite the debate, all eyes will be on Konstas if he debuts on Boxing Day, with hopes high for a memorable start to his Test career.