Australia vs India: Sam Konstas, 19, makes debut for hosts in Boxing Day Test

On By Littum

Opener Sam Konstas is set to become Australia’s men’s youngest Test batting debutant for 71 years in the Boxing Day Test against India.

The 19-year-old was called up to replace Nathan McSweeney last week after he managed just 72 runs across six innings at an average of 14.40.

The series is currently tied 1-1 with two games left to play.

“He’s composed, relaxed, knows his game is in a good place at the moment, he wants to play Boxing Day,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said.

“We’re really excited for him, Boxing Day, the biggest stage. He might as well get it out of the way early.”

New South Wales’ Konstas becomes Australia’s youngest batting debutant since Ian Craig in 1953.

Earlier this season, Konstas scored two centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, becoming the youngest player to do so since Ricky Ponting in 1993.

McDonald said he has been selected to take the match to India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where bowlers have had the upper hand in the series so far.

“We want to throw another challenge at India at this point,” McDonald said.

“We think Nathan (McSweeney) is good enough for Test level. We weren’t sure how the top order worked. We challenged ourselves for that decision. Whether it works or not, time will tell (but) we’re really confident , that Sam can handle the job.”

McDonald also was “pretty confident” Travis Head would be able to play despite a quad strain that kept him from practicing Monday.

The 30-year-old left-hander has scored 409 runs including two centuries in the first three Tests,

McDonald also said that paceman Scott Boland was likely to come in for the injured Josh Hazlewood, and confirmed that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was fit to play.

Skipper Pat Cummins is set to unveil the rest of Australia’s line-up on Wednesday, with the match kicking off at 7pm. 23:30 GMT.

There will be ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app, where video highlights will also be available (all UK users only).