Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald defended the selection committee’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney mid-series in favor of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, insisting that the talented teenager would pose a “new challenge” for India in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. McSweeney, who had struggled with a string of low scores in the first three Tests of the series, was replaced by Konstas, making his debut in the iconic Baggy Green.
McDonald’s comments come in the wake of former Australia skipper Michael Clarke’s criticism of the decision to drop McSweeney, who had been serving as a makeshift opener. Clarke had expressed his concerns about the timing of the change, given the young player’s lack of opportunity to prove himself. However, McDonald firmly stood by the decision, emphasizing that tough calls are part of the game.
“We wanted to throw a new challenge at India. We believe Nathan is good enough for the Test level. We weren’t sure about how the top order is functioning, so yeah, we challenged ourselves with that decision,” McDonald explained ahead of the fourth Test. He further acknowledged that selections are always debated and that only time will tell if the decision to drop McSweeney will prove to be the right one. “Whether it works or not, time will tell. There will be debate around this. Should he or shouldn’t he? Selections are highly debated,” McDonald said.
Also Read: BGT: Konstas’ debut confirmed, Head under fitness cloud for Boxing Day Test
Konstas, at just 19, will become the 468th Australian men’s Test cricketer to don the Baggy Green, taking the field in the Boxing Day Test starting on Wednesday. His selection makes him the youngest Test debutant for Australia since Pat Cummins, who debuted at 18 years old in 2011. McDonald expressed confidence in Konstas’ abilities, noting that the teenager has shown composure and the ability to handle pressure on the field. “He’s been very similar to what I’ve seen on the outside within the team – composed, relaxed, knows his game. And what he’s shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents, and he gets his opportunity,” McDonald said.
In a break from tradition, selector Tony Dodemaide informed Konstas of his inclusion during training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) earlier in the week. Typically, it is the Australian captain who confirms the playing XI the night before a match, but McDonald explained that the unusual timing was necessary due to the shifting dynamics of the team. “It’s something we don’t usually do because we haven’t had too many moving parts, but we thought we’d get that out of the way so everyone knows that he’s in the team,” said McDonald.
While Konstas’ debut is a major highlight, McDonald also addressed concerns over Usman Khawaja’s form, which had been a topic of discussion following his low scores in recent Tests. The coach downplayed these worries, stating that Khawaja’s preparation is on track, and his runs will come. “The way he is preparing, runs will come. He knows his methods, and any good player following methods will return among runs,” McDonald stated, reaffirming his belief in the seasoned batsman.
McDonald also provided an update on Travis Head, who had been in excellent form, scoring two centuries in the series before sustaining a small strain to his quad during the third Test at the Gabba. Despite the injury, McDonald was optimistic about Head’s fitness, confirming that he had been running and showing no signs of serious concern. “I thought he looked good with the bat in his hands, so obviously the skills are in good order. It will just be what risk is associated with that,” McDonald added, hinting that Head would be fit for the Boxing Day Test.
The coach also speculated on the conditions for the upcoming Test, where high temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius are expected. With these conditions, McDonald suggested that the pitch could become more batter-friendly as the game progresses. He confirmed that pacer Scott Boland, who is set to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood, will play a significant role in the match. “If we didn’t pick Scotty [Boland] here, and I know I’m not allowed to declare the team because that’s Pat’s [Cummins] job tomorrow, but I don’t think I’m coming to the ground Boxing Day if Scotty’s not in the eleven,” McDonald said.
With temperatures soaring and high expectations from both the batsmen and bowlers, the Boxing Day Test promises to be an exciting encounter. As McDonald reiterated, the team has great depth, and all-rounder Mitch Marsh is fully fit and ready to contribute both with the bat and ball. The new challenge posed by Konstas and the return of Head’s form are among the many talking points as Australia prepares for what could be a thrilling Test match against India.
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