Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja out as Konstas is set to open for Australia in 4th Test In the world of sports, exciting news has emerged that 19-year-old Sam Konstas has been called up to the Australian Test squad for the last two Tests against India. The young and talented right-handed batter has a proven track record in First Class cricket and is expected to open for the Baggy Greens in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. With established players like Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja being dropped, Konstas has the chance to make a name for himself and establish a place in the Australian team. Having already recorded a fast fifty by a Sydney Thunder batter, all eyes will be on this potential new star in the making.
Amidst 19-year-old Sam Konstas being called up to the Australia Test squad for the last two matches against India, former cricketer Merv Hughes believes it is a 'panic' move from the hosts. While Konstas had impressed with twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield, Hughes argues that it is a hasty decision and Australia should remain calm considering their recent success. Konstas will join the team after playing for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL on Sunday.
Australia have made a surprising change to their 15-man test squad for the third Test against India, replacing opener Nathan McSweeney with 19-year-old Sam Konstas. Despite only scoring 72 runs in his three-test debut, McSweeney was praised for his strong batting technique against a tough Indian bowling attack. Konstas, who has been impressive in domestic cricket and was the youngest player to score a half-century on his BBL debut, will provide a much-needed new option for Australia's struggling batting lineup. National selection panel chairman George Bailey cited Konstas's ability to take on India's fast bowlers, as well as McSweeney's low strike rate, as reasons for the surprising change.
The Indian cricket team made a dominant statement in their warm-up match against PM XI, with Shubman Gill's half-century and Harshit Rana's impressive bowling leading to a comfortable 6-wicket win. The team had the chance to fine-tune their skills in a 50-overs-per-side contest after Day 1 was washed out due to rain. Despite good performances from PM XI's Sam Konstas and Hanno Jacobs, India managed to restrict them to 240 and easily chased down the target with Gill leading the way alongside KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.