Matt Renshaw overlooked for Australia A series, Sam Konstas included

After setting tongues wagging last week, a teenage NSW batting star has earnt a national call-up but a one-time Test hopeful has missed out.

Matt Renshaw has gone from next in line to potentially out of the running to fill the Cameron Green-sized hole in the Australian Test squad after being overlooked for the Australia A squad to face India in two games later this month.

After back-to-back centuries for NSW last week, 19-year-old NSW batting sensation Sam Konstas has jumped over Renshaw and is one of three opening batters in the 17-player squad that could give selections the best insight as to who should replace Green for the Border-Gavaskar series.

Despite making a pair of ducks for Western Australia to open the Sheffield Shield season, Cameron Bancroft has been given another chance to press his claims after two years of big runs for WA.

Marcus Harris, who made 143 and 52 in Victoria’s opening Shield clash to put his name up in lights again, is the third opening batter picked in the squad that also includes South Australian captain Nathan McSweeney and Tasmania’s Beau Webster who both made centuries for their states.

Renshaw, who was elevated back to opener for Queensland to try to get him back into the Test team, made six and 15 against WA, then a duck in the one-day game that followed.

Sam Konstas has created a big impression. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Having shocked by picking Cooper Connolly to make his T20 debut in England, selectors have stuck with him and added NSW young gun Ollie Davies to the Australia A squad.

“We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season,” selection chair George Bailey said of the squads for the A series.

“As always with Australia A selection, we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield.

“Australia A squads are pleasingly challenging to select which highlights the depth and talent coming through to accompany those more senior players on the edge of an international recall.

“It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation looking to prepare for what is going to be a captivating summer of Test cricket.”

The Australia A squad will play two four-day matches against India A in Mackay and then at the MCG, with the first match starting on October 31.

Australia A squad: 

Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.

Originally published as Matt Renshaw overlooked for Australia A series, Sam Konstas included