Australia ax McSweeney, calls up Konstas for fourth India Test

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Opener Nathan McSweeney was left out of Australia’s squad for the fourth Test against India on Friday, with teenager Sam Konstas given his first call-up.

Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been included in the 15-man squad to give the team more options with Josh Hazlewood ruled out with a right calf injury.

The two teams are tied 1-1 in the five-Test series, with India still needing a win to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

McSweeney had taken part in all three Tests so far after winning the race to replace the retired David Warner at the top of the rankings alongside Usman Khawaja.

But the 25-year-old, who is not an opener specialist, struggled to hold his own, especially against Indian opener Jasprit Bumrah.

His highest score was 39 and he was sent off for nine and four in the third Test in Brisbane.

In contrast, 19-year-old Konstas is in top form in the domestic league and calls are increasing to bring him to the international league.

Earlier this season he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield game.

He also criticized a century while playing for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.

His inclusion does not necessarily mean he will play, as reserve batsman Josh Inglis is also a potential opening partner for Khawaja.

“Sam will be called up to the Test squad for the first time. His batting style makes the difference and we look forward to watching his game develop,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We remain confident that Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.”

“It has clearly been a challenge for batters throughout the series to be at the top of the order and we would like to provide the opportunity to choose a different lineup for the next two games,” he added.

Although Richardson returns to the squad after a miserable run with injuries, Scott Boland is widely expected to replace Hazlewood in the starting XI, alongside fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling department,” Bailey said.

“It was pleasing to see his successful return at the start of the domestic summer.”

Australian Squad: Pat Cummins (Capt), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

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