Australia has declared their new set of players for the next two Test matches versus India in the continuing Border Gavaskar Trophy series. The focus is therefore on 19-year-old opening batsman Sam Konstas, who has been included in the squad, replacing Nathan McSweeny. McSweeny, 25, battled to get some form in his six innings, getting 10, 0, 39, 10 not out, 9, and 4.
Konstas, an ostensible right-hander, will go for his shots in the series. It is a big plus for the young player; it will afford him the chance to play at the international level. Australia will be relying on Konstas to secure the top order of the Sri Lankan team to offer its side a good enough total to revive the series. Two further Test matches will be pivotal for Australia, and much will rely on Konstas’s show.
“Sam Konstas earns his first call-up to the Test squad”- George Bailey
Sam Konstas is another up-and-coming cricketer from Australia who has been knocking the wind out of opponent cricketers with some great performances to attract the attention of the selection committee at Cricket Australia. His twin Sheffield Shield centuries for NSW were their standout performance, along with an innings of 73 not out against India A in the MCG.
Konstas then backed up his claims by scoring a century (107) in the pink-ball match for the Prime Minister’s XI against India in Canberra. Like the first-class performance, his figures are fairly decent: 718 runs in 11 matches, averaging 42.23 with two centuries and three fifties.
Chief selector John Inverarity said the opener’s consistent performance makes him a deserving inclusion in the Australian team ahead of the two remaining Test matches against India. Konstas is predicted to be one of the most notable players in the series, as he has an extensive record as well as a rising profile.
“Sam earns his first call-up to the Test squad. His style of batting offers a point of difference, and we look forward to seeing his game develop further,” said Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey.
Australia’s 15-man squad for fourth and fifth Test:
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
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