Delhi, December 20, 2024: Australia has named a 15-member squad for the remaining two Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, making significant changes. Opening batter Nathan McSweeney, who scored only 72 runs in the first three Tests, has been dropped. In his place, 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who scored a century in the pink-ball practice game in Canberra, has earned his maiden call-up to the national Test team.
For the upcoming Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, pacers Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster have also been included in the squad. Josh Hazlewood, who injured himself during the fourth day of the Gabba Test, has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey stated, “The squad provides options for structuring the XI for the final two Tests. Sam’s call-up is exciting, and we look forward to watching his development. Nathan has the temperament to succeed at Test level, and leaving him out was a tough decision.”
Summary: Australia makes key squad changes for the remaining Tests, with Sam Konstas called up and Nathan McSweeney dropped, along with the addition of new pacers.