Australian selectors axe opener after three Tests, Sam Konstas named

Australia’s latest Test debutant has been axed after just three matches, with a teen sensation earning a call up to the squad.

The Australian selectors have unveiled the 15-man squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India, dropping opening batsmen Nathan McSweeney and calling up teenage prodigy Sam Konstas.

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The South Australian made his Test debut only a month ago, batting out of position at the top of the order, having never opened the batting at state level.

He failed to make more than 10 in five of his six Test innings to date, and selectors have now swung the axe with a potential debut looming for Konstas.

NSW seamer Sean Abbot has also earnt a call-up, while Beau Webster and Josh Inglis remain in the squad alongside Jhye Richardson who is another surprise inclusion.

Konstas’ call-up marks his first at national level after impressive form across all formats leading into the Border Gavaskar series.

McSweeney is out. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Konstas’ call-up marks his first at national level after impressive form across all formats leading into the Border Gavaskar series, being the only other specialist opener outside of Usman Khawaja in the current squad.

Should 18-year-old Konstas earn his Test debut, he would become the youngest to be awarded a baggy green since current skipper Pat Cummins.

He was 18 years 193 days when he appeared against South Africa in 2011, while Konstas turned 19 on October 2 this year.

Meanwhile, chairman of selectors George Bailey remained confident McSweeney will at some point return to the Test arena, pointing to Konstas’ “style of batting” as a reason behind his inclusion.

Konstas is in. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series,” Bailey said in a statement.

“Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further.

“We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.

“It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line up for the next two matches.

“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer.”

Australia’s 15-man squad

Pat Cummins (c)

Sean Abbott

Scott Boland

Alex Carey

Travis Head (vc)

Josh Inglis

Usman Khawaja

Sam Konstas

Marnus Labuschagne

Nathan Lyon

Mitchell Marsh

Jhye Richardson

Steve Smith (vc)

Mitchell Starc

Beau Webster

Originally published as Australian selectors axe opener after three Tests, Sam Konstas named