Opener Sam Konstas is about to change into Australia males’s youngest Check batting debutant in 71 years within the Boxing Day Check in opposition to India.
The 19-year-old was referred to as as much as substitute Nathan McSweeney final week after he managed solely 72 runs throughout six innings at a median of 14.40.
The collection is presently tied at 1-1 with two matches left to play.
“He is composed, relaxed, is aware of his sport is in a great place for the time being, he’ll play Boxing Day,” mentioned Australia coach Andrew McDonald.
“We’re actually excited for him, Boxing Day, the most important stage. He would possibly as properly get that one out of the way in which early.”
New South Wales’ Konstas will likely be Australia’s youngest batting debutant since Ian Craig in 1953.
Earlier this season Konstas scored two centuries in opposition to South Australia within the Sheffield Defend, changing into the youngest participant to take action since Ricky Ponting in 1993.
McDonald mentioned he has been chosen to take the sport to India on the Melbourne Cricket Floor, with bowlers having had the higher hand within the collection to date.
“We need to throw a unique problem at India at this cut-off date,” mentioned McDonald.
“We imagine Nathan [McSweeney] is nice sufficient for Check stage. We weren’t certain about how the highest order was functioning. We challenged ourselves for that call. Whether or not it really works or not, time will inform (however) we’re actually assured that Sam can do the job.”
McDonald was additionally “fairly assured” Travis Head could be match to play regardless of a quad pressure stopping him from coaching on Monday.
The 30-year-old left-hand batter has scored 409 runs together with two centuries within the first three Exams,
McDonald additionally mentioned that paceman Scott Boland would doubtless are available for the injured Josh Hazlewood, and confirmed all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was match to play.
Skipper Pat Cummins is about to disclose the remainder of the Australia line-up on Wednesday, with the match beginning at 23:30 GMT.
There will likely be ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Further and the BBC Sport web site and app, the place video highlights will even be out there (all UK customers solely).