Border-Gavaskar: Selection shock as WA quick Jhye Richardson added to Test squad alongside Sam Konstas

West Australian quick Jhye Richardson has earned a surprise call-up ahead of the Boxing Day Test, added to the Australian squad on Friday.

It comes as embattled opener Nathan McSweeney was dropped, opening the door for teenage sensation Sam Konstas to make his debut in the fourth Test against India.

With injured pace ace Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the series with a calf injury, set to be replaced by Scott Boland at the MCG, selectors have added more fast bowling depth to assist Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

It comes after the fit-again Richardson earlier this week declared he had not given up hope of adding to his three Test caps but added it might be “unrealistic for me to think about international cricket” at the moment.

The 28-year-old seamer has battled an unfortunate series of setbacks over the past few years, including a debilitating shoulder injury.

“What’s realistic is what’s in front of me right now and that’s playing Big Bash cricket and domestic cricket for WA,” he said on Monday.

“I made my return to Shield cricket which was a massive goal of mine, so I’ve ticked that box, and then whatever this tournament (the Big Bash) has in store then we’ll go from there afterwards.

“Test cricket is obviously the goal, I’d love to play Test cricket again. I think it’s difficult having had a taste of it and then having that sort of ripped away but I mean I’m hoping.”

Konstas and Richardson were joined in the squad by New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, while back-up wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster retained their spots.

Chairman of selectors George Bailey said the squad provided options for how the team will structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series, acknowledging the top order has failed to perform.

“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,” Bailey said.

“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.”