Australia are set to hand teenage opener Sam Konstas his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After months of anticipation, Konstas has finally received his Test call-up for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It promises to be a baptism by fire for the young New South Wales cricketer, but the Australian cricket community is quietly confident that Konstas will thrive under pressure.
On Friday, December 20, Australia announced a 15-man squad for the last two Tests against India. With the series level at 1-1 after Australia were denied victory at the Gabba, the selectors have made some pivotal changes to the squad. In a major decision, they have dropped 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney after just three Test matches. McSweeney, who struggled against the Jasprit Bumrah-led pace attack, scored only 72 runs across six innings—the lowest tally for an Australian Test opener in their first six knocks since 1974.
Usman Khawaja fared no better. The 38-year-old managed just 63 runs in six innings but retained his place due to the invaluable experience he offers.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Full Coverage
Australia appear to have learned a hard lesson. When McSweeney, primarily a middle-order batsman in domestic cricket, was added to the squad at the start of the series, doubts were raised about his ability to handle India’s high-quality attack. McSweeney struggled to keep the scoreboard moving, and Khawaja’s poor form exacerbated the fragility of Australia’s top order.
WHO IS SAM KONSTAS
By including Sam Konstas, Australia hope to inject aggressive intent at the top of the order. Konstas enters the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an impressive record across formats.
In December 2024, Konstas made his debut for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Opening alongside David Warner, he smashed a blistering 57 off 26 balls, marking the fastest half-century in Sydney Thunder’s history. His innings included eight boundaries and two sixes, playing a key role in the team’s victory over the Adelaide Strikers.
Konstas also featured for the Prime Minister’s XI in a pink-ball warm-up match against India at Manuka Oval. He scored an outstanding 107 off 97 balls, including 14 fours and a six, against a formidable Indian bowling attack featuring Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja. This performance further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Australian cricket.
In October-November 2024, Konstas was selected for Australia A in their series against India A. In the second unofficial Test, he played a crucial role with an unbeaten 73 in the second innings, helping secure a victory for his team.
‘LIKE CLARKE, WARNER AND SMITH’
With 736 runs across formats this summer, Konstas has drawn widespread acclaim from cricketing legends and commentators. Former England captain Michael Vaughan had championed his inclusion in the Test squad, describing him as “fearless” and “unflappable.”
England’s World Cup-winning former coach and Sydney Thunder coach, Trevor Bayliss, praised Konstas’s attitude, comparing his confidence to that of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Michael Clarke.
“What I can say is Sam has a self-confidence you don’t see in very many. I’ve only seen it in a few over the years, and all of those players were outstanding Test players and international players, guys like Clarke and Haddin, Warner and Smith,” Bayliss had said, as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald.
With 718 runs at an average of 42.23 in 11 first-class matches, Konstas has already shown immense promise. If he debuts in Melbourne, he will become only the third Australian cricketer in the last 40 years to make his Test debut as a teenager, following in the footsteps of Pat Cummins and Ashton Agar.
