Delhi, December 20, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Australia named a 15-member squad for the remaining two Tests against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Opening batter Nathan McSweeney who managed just 72 runs in the first three Tests has been dropped from the squad. Sam Konstas, 19, who smashed a hundred in the pink-ball practice game against India in Canberra, has earned his maiden call-up into the national Test side.
For the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson and Beau Webster have also been named in Australia’s squad.
Josh Hazlewood, who suffered an injury on Day 4 of the Gabba Test, has been ruled out of the entire series.
“The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey in an official statement.
“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. 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,” he added.
‘Challenge for top-order batters’
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne have not been among the runs in the first three Tests against India and the trio have been found wanting against Jasprit Bumrah.
Summary: Australia announces key changes to their Test squad, bringing in Sam Konstas, dropping Nathan McSweeney, and adding new pacers.