Boxing Day Test: New South Wales teenager Sam Konstas confirmed for debut opening the batting for Australia
Teenage whiz kid Sam Konstas will become the youngest-ever man to open the batting for Australia in Test cricket, coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed.
Konstas will also become the fourth-youngest Test cricketer to play for Australia and the youngest since captain Pat Cummins on Thursday, when he replaces axed opener Nathan McSweeney at the top of the order.
The 19-year-old batted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground nets again on Tuesday as the Australian team prepares for the crucial fourth Test.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“He’s been very similar to what I’ve seen on the outside … he’s composed, relaxed,” McDonald said.
“He’ll play Boxing Day, so I’ll get that one out of the way.
“What he’s shown is an array of shots and an ability to put pressure back on his opponents.”
West Australian reserve batter Josh Inglis could also come into the frame for a Test debut, with Australia’s star of the series Travis Head under an injury cloud.
McDonald revealed Head had picked up a quad strain during the third Test at the Gabba and finished in the nets earlier than other batters on Tuesday before a long conversation with the coach and team physio.
The Aussie coach said Head has “some things to work through” but does expect him to play.
Temperatures are tipped to climb above 40 degrees in a sweltering start to the match on Thursday, which could force Australia into a rethink of their all-rounders, with Beau Webster also in the squad.
Mitch Marsh has been declared fit to bowl in Melbourne after bowling in the nets on Monday.
Konstas made twin tons in the same Sheffield Shield match to open his season, then blasted a century against India in a rain-reduced match for Prime Minister’s XI earlier this month and a rapid-fire half-century on Big Bash League debut for Sydney Thunder last week.
Scott Boland is expected to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood for the Test starting Thurday, despite reports the seamer is battling a niggle of his own.
More to come
Originally published on The West Australian
