Australia’s squad for the final two Tests against India has been officially announced, featuring significant changes as the team looks to regain momentum in the series, which is currently tied at 1-1.
The selectors have opted to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood with Scott Boland and have handed a maiden call-up to 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who has been making waves in domestic cricket.
Hazlewood, a key player in Australia’s bowling lineup, has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a calf strain he sustained during warm-ups before the rain-affected third Test at the Gabba.
This injury came after he had already missed the second Test due to a side strain. Hazlewood expressed his frustration over the timing of his injuries, emphasizing that they were unexpected and not related to his previous issues. His absence is a significant loss for Australia, given his experience and skill.
In response to Hazlewood’s injury, selectors have recalled Scott Boland, who has been in strong form domestically. Boland made a remarkable impact during his Test debut in 2021 and is expected to bolster Australia’s pace attack alongside Mitchell Starc and others.
His inclusion is seen as crucial as Australia prepares for the challenging conditions expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the Boxing Day Test.
The most notable addition to the squad is Sam Konstas, who has been selected following impressive performances in domestic cricket. At just 19 years old, Konstas has shown exceptional talent, including twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield and a strong showing against India A.
His selection comes after Nathan McSweeney was dropped due to a string of disappointing performances, where he managed only 72 runs across six innings in the series.
McSweeney’s struggles against India’s pace attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, highlighted Australia’s need for fresh talent at the top of their batting order.
Konstas’s potential debut would make him one of the youngest players to represent Australia in Test cricket since Pat Cummins made his debut in 2011.
His unique batting style and ability to adapt under pressure are seen as valuable assets that could provide Australia with a different approach against India’s formidable bowling lineup.
Chairman of selectors George Bailey commented on the squad changes, stating that they are looking for flexibility and options as they structure their XI for the upcoming matches.
He expressed confidence in Konstas’s abilities and noted that while McSweeney has potential, the selectors felt it was time for a change given the challenges faced by the top order throughout the series.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG is set to be a high-stakes match as both teams aim to take control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With changes in personnel and strategies, Australia will be keen to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a vital victory against India.
Australia’s squad for the final two Tests against India
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
