AUS vs IND: Australian Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed 19-year-old Sam Konstas to debut against India on the Boxing Day Test. Travis Head has to pass a fitness check.
Sam Konstas, a young cricket prodigy from New South Wales is set to make his test debut against India on the Boxing Day Test at 19 years and 85 days, he will be the fourth youngest Australian Cricketer after Ian Craig, current captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett to do so. Konstas will become the youngest player to don the Baggy Green since Cummins debut at 18 in 2011.
On Tuesday, post-training, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Konstas’ debut in a press conference. He said that Australia’s selector on duty Tony Dodemaide gave Konstas the good news the same morning. However, the confirmation about the rest of the playing 11 would come on Christmas when Cummins calls for his pre-match press conference.
“We said from the get go, when leading into the summer, that we wouldn’t shy away, and age was no barrier,” McDonald said. He added, “And what he’s shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents and he gets his opportunity. We’re really excited for him.”
This crucial moment will see Konstas take on the field on December 26, where he will face off against Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is known for his exceptional fast bowling.
This good news came up with a bad news as well. Uncertainty looms over the Australian Cricket Team, as Australia’s most important player, Travis Head had a short hit on Tuesday in the nets while practicing. Travis Head has to pass a fitness check to play in the XI. While McDonald is sure of Head’s participation, he is still waiting for confirmation from Australia’s physio Nick Jones.
Konstas will replace Nathan McSweeney, who faced criticism for displaying lean performance throughout the series. Speaking about other changes in the team, McDonald said that Scott Boland is certain to replace injured Josh Hazlewood.
“If we didn’t pick Scotty here, and I’m not allowed to declare the team, because that’s Pat’s job tomorrow, but I don’t think I’m coming to the ground Boxing Day if Scotty is not the XI. So you can go with that as well,” McDonald said.
