Sam Konstas in line for debut as McSweeney dropped for last two India Tests

19-year-old Sam Konstas is in line to make his debut in the fourth Test against India at MCG after receiving his maiden Australia call-up. Nathan McSweeney, who had a torrid time, especially against Jasprit Bumrah, has been dropped. In six Test innings so far, McSweeney has scored just 72 runs at 14.40. 

However, chief selector George Bailey says he remains confident in McSweeney's capabilities. "We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future," Bailey said.

"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. 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."

If Konstas were to be handed the Baggy Green, it would make him the youngest debutant for Australia since skipper Pat Cummins, who was 18 years and 193 days old when he made his maiden appearance against South Africa in 2011.  

In addition to Konstas, fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been added to the squad as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the remainder of the series. Sean Abbott is also back, while Australia also have Beau Webster in their squad.

Konstas not just starred in Australia's Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year but also started off the Sheffield Shield season well, hitting 152 and 105 against South Australia. Moreover, he impressed with a composed 73 for Australia A against India A at the MCG ahead of the Test series.

He also slammed 56 off 27 for Sydney Thunder against Adelaide Strikers in his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) appearance. "It would be a dream come true," Konstas said of the prospect of playing at the MCG.

"Maybe I’d get a little nervous before the game, but I’ve worked really hard for that. Hopefully, it happens one day, but we’ll see."

The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs, before Australia secured a 10-wicket victory in the pink-ball game in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw after constant rain interruptions.

Australia squad for India Tests: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head (vc), Steve Smith (vc), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster