Nathan McSweeney has been dropped for final two BGT Tests and Sam Konstas has been called up
Australia have dropped opener Nathan McSweeney for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Test series.
McSweeney, who made his debut in the series opener in Perth, has scored 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9, and 4 in the three Tests thus far.
He has been replaced by 19-year-old New South Wales opener Sam Konstas.
Although Konstas was in the mix to fill the spot vacated by David Warner before the series, the management opted to start with McSweeney.
Konstas enters the squad on the back of strong recent performances, including an unbeaten 73 against India A last month, a 107 in the pink-ball warm-up for the Prime Minister’s XI, and an 88 for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
He also smashed a 27-ball 56 for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League just three days ago.
“Sam gets his first call-up to the Test squad.
His batting style provides a point of difference, and we’re excited to see how his game develops,” said Chair of Selectors George Bailey.
“We remain confident that Nathan has the potential and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future.
It was a tough decision to leave him out.
The top of the order has clearly been challenging for batters throughout the series, and we want to provide a fresh lineup for the next two matches,” Bailey added.
With Josh Hazlewood ruled out, Australia have also called up fast bowlers Sean Abbott and Beau Webster, along with adding Jhye Richardson to the squad.
“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides additional fast-bowling options.
It’s been great to see his successful return during the early part of the domestic summer,” Bailey concluded.
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