Border-Gavaskar: Nathan McSweeney dropped for Boxing Day Test, Sam Konstas in frame for debut

Samantha Rogers

The West Australian

2 Min Read

20 Dec 2024

Nathan McSweeney is set to make way for Sam Konstas. Credit: Getty

Australian opener Nathan McSweeney has been dropped for the Boxing Day Test.

McSweeney has been under pressure to hold his spot since making his debut in the first Test in Perth, with an underwhelming average of 14.40.

Scores of 9 and 4 in Perth were followed by 39 and an unbeaten 10* in the day-night Test in Adelaide.

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However, his 10 and duck in the rain-affected Brisbane Test have forced selectors to make a call amid criticism of the struggling Australian top order.

His opening partner Usman Khawaja and No.3 Marnus Labuschagne are also in the firing line, while Steve Smith alleviated pressure on himself with a stirring century at the Gabba.

“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,” national selector George Bailey said.

“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.”

McSweeney’s omission opens the door for teenage sensation Sam Konstas, who was added to the Test squad on Friday.

Sam Konstas celebrates his half-century in the Sydney Thunder’s BBL opener this week. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The 19-year-old has impressed in domestic cricket across the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League and also scored a century as for the Prime Minister’s XI against India A this summer.

West Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is also in frame to come into the XI, having been part of the squad for the first three Tests.

A team announcement is expected as early as Friday afternoon.

Australia will already make one change ahead of Boxing Day, with the injured Josh Hazlewood (calf) to be replaced by MCG specialist Scott Boland.

The five-Test series is level 1-1 after a draw in Brisbane, with the hosts needing to win the series outright to claim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.