Australian Test side: Why picking Sam Konstas would be a mistake

After a horror collapse in Brisbane, Australia’s top order has come under renewed scrutiny. But a former selector has warned parachuting Sam Konstas into the side isn’t the answer. HAVE YOUR SAY HERE.

Former national selector Merv Hughes says Australia would be panicking by picking Sam Konstas for a Boxing Day Test debut and has urged the current panel to stick by the beleaguered top order.

Stressing that the Aussie batters were on a “hiding to nothing” during the helter-skelter second innings at the Gabba on Wednesday, Hughes said the Big Bash League break made it unpalatable to inject a youngster into a critical Test with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series locked at 1-1.

The panel of George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide and coach Andrew McDonald has deferred an announcement on a squad for the fourth Test until Friday at the earliest.

It has heightened speculation that one of the struggling Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne or Mitch Marsh could be punted for the MCG Test.

The side’s newest addition, McSweeney, appears the most vulnerable after averaging just 14.40 in six innings since his debut in the series opener against India at Perth Stadium.

There is a groundswell of public support for the supremely talented Konstas, who is fresh from a debut half-century with the Sydney Thunder, to be unleashed in Melbourne.

However, Hughes called for calm despite the top-order flops continuing in Australia’s 7 (dec)-89 on day five of the drawn third Test.

“A lot of people are going to read a lot into Australia’s second innings,’’ the former Test quick said.

“The batsmen were on a hiding to nothing. They’ve got absolutely nothing to gain.

“They’re out there with a positive mindset trying to push the score along.

“I don’t often say this but you feel for batsmen in those situations. I wouldn’t read too much into that second innings.

“I can’t see there being anything but forced changes. McSweeney’s going OK. He’s getting through a lot of balls.”

While Konstas has impressed for the Prime Minister’s XI, NSW and Thunder in recent weeks, Hughes said it would still be a stretch to call him up for the MCG showdown.

“It would have been a bold call bringing him in at the start of the season,” Hughes said. “Now it would almost be a panic call to me.

“There’s not that much they can do with the scheduling now. All the state players are into Big Bash mode.

“Just stay calm. They drew the last Test. The last two Tests have been a draw and a win, so what is there to panic about.”

Sam Konstas after bringing up a half-century for the Thunder. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

John Benaud, the younger brother of Richie and part of the selection panel that first chose long-serving openers Michael Slater and Matthew Hayden, said the choice between McSweeney and Sydney’s rising star Konstas was a borderline call but he would give McSweeney one more chance.

“Konstas looks like he is in good form but it would be a big call to throw him into what could be a series-defining Test,” Benaud said.

“You would have to ask whether he would play his natural game or just bat to survive, which I sense McSweeney is doing.

“I thought putting McSweeney in there in the first place was unusual in that he is a No.3. People say there is no difference between opening and No. 3 but that’s bullshit.

“But I would still give him one more chance and if he fails it might be time for Konstas in Sydney.”

Scott Boland is almost certain to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the XI and it’s understood Beau Webster is likely to return to the squad after being released to play for the Melbourne Stars.

Originally published as Australian Test side: Why picking Sam Konstas would be a mistake