Nathan McSweeney dropped for last two BGT Tests; Konstas called up

Australia has decided to drop Nathan McSweeney in the last two Test matches of the Border-Gavaskar series against India. McSweeney received his maiden call-up before the Test series but was dropped after inconsistent performances.

The right-hander returned with scores of 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9 and 4 in the three Test matches and thus he was shown the exit doors. Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old, who scored a fine hundred (107) against India in the pink-ball warm-up match for Prime Ministers XI, has received his maiden call-up to the Australian squad.

The youngster also scored an impressive knock of 88 runs for New South Wales against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield and thus he is in good form.

“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,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.

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

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the rest of the series after suffering a calf injury in the third Test. The home team has added fast bowler Sean Abbott along with Beau Webster. They have also included Jhye Richardson in the squad.

Bailey added, “In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer.”

The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26th December.