Teenager Sam Konstas and Jhye Richardson earn Test call-ups, Nathan McSweeney axed

Sam Konstas is set for a whirlwind Test debut after being called up for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the expense of Nathan McSweeney.

Teenage batting prodigy Konstas was on Friday included in Australia’s 15-player squad for the remainder of the series against India, with paceman Jhye Richardson the other new face replacing injured Josh Hazlewood.

At 19 years and 85 days, Konstas would become the fourth youngest Test debutant in Australian history if selected for the Boxing Day Test, and youngest since current captain Pat Cummins in 2011.

“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,” chief selector George Bailey said.

Konstas’ inclusion has pushed McSweeney out of the frame after both he and fellow opener Usman Khawaja misfired across the first three Tests against India.

Neither has made a score above 40 this series, but it is the recent debutant who has been made to pay the price.

South Australia captain McSweeney had never opened in a first-class match before his first three appearances for Australia.

But with an Indian victory in Melbourne enough to secure a 2-1 lead and retention of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, selectors’ hands were forced.

“We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future,” Bailey said.

“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.”

Amid the Australian batting order’s unconvincing start to the summer, Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for higher honours.

In October, the New South Welshman became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.

He set a new BBL record as the youngest player to score a half-century during his debut for the Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night.

The right-hander also made a century playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India at Manuka Oval earlier this month.

On Thursday, prior to his call-up, Konstas said watching the first three matches of the dramatic India series had only heightened his desire for a Test debut.

“It motivates me a bit more,” he said.

“Obviously it would be a dream come true if I got that opportunity.”

The recent successes have emboldened Konstas, a protege of former Australian representative Shane Watson.

“Obviously you get more confident the more time you spend in the middle facing really good bowlers,” he said.

“Trying to test myself, challenge myself, is the main thing.”

The teenager’s inclusion comes after he found himself locked in a “bat-off” with Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and McSweeney for the top-order vacancy that opened up before the India series.

He ultimately lost out to McSweeney, but it now appears only a surprise decision to hand Josh Inglis a Test debut could deny Konstas his first baggy green.

Inglis remains in the frame as back-up batter, but typically bats further down the order than specialist opener Konstas.

Beau Webster and Sean Abbott have also returned to the squad alongside Richardson, who played the last of his three Tests in 2021.

But fellow paceman Scott Boland is expected to be called into the XI to replace Hazlewood at the MCG, where he memorably took 6-7 in the second innings of his Test debut three summers ago.

Boland most recently filled in for Hazlewood when a side strain forced the quick out of the second Test against India.

AUSTRALIA:

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitch Starc, Beau Webster.