Sam Konstas's impressive domestic form this summer puts him in contention to replace Nathan McSweeney for the Boxing Day Test.
Australia n opener Nathan McSweeney is reportedly not guaranteed to maintain his position for the Boxing Day Test as young talent Sam Konstas returns to the selection pool. McSweeney, who debuted in the first Test in Perth, has only surpassed 10 runs once in six innings. According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, McSweeney’s place will be under discussion leading into next week’s crucial fourth Test.
The South Australian had never opened before, but was appointed to the role to face arguably the world’s best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah. Fellow opener Usman Khawaja is also facing pressure, having now gone 11 Test innings without scoring a half-century. His series average of 12.6 is also the lowest of any Australia opener in a home Test series of at least three matches since Matthew Elliott’s against South Africa in 1997. Meanwhile, Konstas has been making a strong case in domestic cricket. The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer, entering contention in October when he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score twin centuries in a Sheffield Shield game. Konstas experienced a brief slump afterward but believes he is a better batsman now than in October. “I’m understanding the scenarios of the game and when to take on the game,” Konstas said. “Trying to mature as a batsman. “Obviously I’m going to make some silly mistakes but I think understanding when to take the game on (is an area I’ve improved in).” Konstas has scored 107 against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, an 88 in the Sheffield Shield for NSW, and a quick 56 for Sydney Thunder in the BBL in the past three weeks. But the opener said he has ignored recent selection talk, as his chances of a debut seem inevitable. For now, he is seizing the opportunity to learn from David Warner, opening alongside him for the Thunder. “I’m trying to learn from him each time I bat with him,” Konstas said. “(He’s taught me) to try to be fearless and take the game on
Cricket Australia Test Match Boxing Day Test Sam Konstas Nathan Mcsweeney
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