Australia have named a revamped 15-member squad for the remaining two Tests against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Opening batter Nathan McSweeney, who struggled with just 72 runs in three Tests, has been dropped. In his place, 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who impressed with a century in the pink-ball practice match against India in Canberra, has earned his maiden Test call-up.
Joining the squad are pacers Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster, who have been added to bolster Australia’s bowling attack. However, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the rest of the series following an injury sustained on Day 4 of the Gabba Test.
“The squad provides flexibility in structuring the XI for the final two Tests,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said in an official statement.
“Sam’s inclusion offers a fresh dynamic with his batting style, and we are excited to see his development. As for Nathan, we remain confident in his potential and temperament to succeed at this level, but leaving him out was a tough decision,” Bailey added.
Top-Order Struggles Continue
Australia’s top-order batters, including Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne, have struggled against India’s bowling attack, particularly against Jasprit Bumrah. The lack of runs at the top prompted the selectors to bring in Sam Konstas as an alternative option.
“It has been a challenge for the top-order throughout the series, and we want to explore a different combination for the next matches,” Bailey said.
Bowling Reinforcements
With Hazlewood unavailable, Jhye Richardson’s inclusion brings additional depth to the pace attack. “Jhye’s return in the domestic summer has been impressive, and he adds valuable options to our bowling line-up,” Bailey noted.
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Series Overview
The Gabba Test ended in a rain-affected draw, leaving the series level at 1-1. India secured a win in Perth, while Australia bounced back with a dominant victory in Adelaide.
India need a victory in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, even if Australia go on to win the final match in Sydney.
Australia Squad for Last Two Tests Against India
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Beau Webster, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Alex Carey, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis.