India vs Australia: 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas set to open for Australia in Boxing Day Test

Australia has named 19-year-old Sam Konstas in their Test squad for the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26. The young talent is set to replace Nathan McSweeney, who has been dropped after a disappointing run in the series.

McSweeney, 25, managed only 72 runs in three Tests since his debut in Perth, prompting the Australian selectors to look for a fresh option at the top of the order. Konstas, a top-order batsman, has been included following impressive performances in recent matches.

Konstas showcased his potential during India’s tour of Australia as part of the Prime Minister’s XI, where he scored a remarkable hundred in a warm-up game against the visitors. More recently, he made headlines in the Big Bash League, smashing a quickfire 56 off 27 balls on his debut for the Sydney Thunder against the Adelaide Strikers.

In First Class cricket, Konstas has amassed 718 runs in 11 matches at an average of 42.23, with two centuries and three fifties, including a top score of 152. Known for his aggressive style, Konstas is expected to open alongside veteran Usman Khawaja, aiming to solve Australia’s top-order concerns in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.

All eyes will be on the young prodigy as he steps onto the iconic MCG pitch, carrying the weight of expectations to bolster Australia’s chances of clinching the series.