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Teenage batting sensation earns call-up to Australia squad for Boxing Day Test
Jasper Bruce, AAP • December 20th, 2024 3:00 pm
Photo: AAP
Sam Konstas is in the frame for a whirlwind Test debut after being called into Australia's squad for the fourth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
AAP understands the 19-year-old batting prodigy was notified on Friday that he would be named in Australia's squad that afternoon.
The opener's inclusion comes after the Australian top-order largely misfired in the first three Tests against India, with incumbent openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney both failing to make a score above 40.
It remains to be seen whether either is replaced by Konstas for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, where Australia have the chance to take a 2-1 lead into the series finale at the SCG.
On Thursday, prior to his call-up, Konstas said watching the first three matches of the dramatic India series had only heightened his desire for a Test debut.
"It motivates me a bit more," he said.
"Obviously it would be a dream come true if I got that opportunity.
"We'll see what happens."
Selectors are not expected to hold a press conference to address Konstas's call-up on Friday, but a formal squad announcement is set to be made later in the afternoon.
Photo: AAP
Amid the Australian batting order's unconvincing start to the summer, Konstas has been mounting an irresistible case for higher honours.
In October, the New South Welshman became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match.
He set a new BBL record as the youngest player to score a half-century during his debut for the Sydney Thunder on Tuesday night.
The right-hander also made a century playing for the Prime Minister's XI against India at Manuka Oval earlier this month.
The recent successes have emboldened Konstas, a protege of former Australian representative Shane Watson.
"Obviously you get more confident the more time you spend in the middle facing really good bowlers," he said.
"Trying to test myself, challenge myself, is the main thing."
Konstas's inclusion comes after he found himself locked in a "bat-off" with Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and McSweeney for the top-order vacancy that opened up before the India series.
He ultimately lost out to McSweeney, who has since been partnering Khawaja at the top despite never playing a first-class game there.
As Marnus Labuschagne and Mitch Marsh also struggle for consistency with the bat, selectors could opt to push McSweeney further down the order and bring specialist opener Konstas in.
They also have Josh Inglis at their disposal after selecting him as their spare batter for the first three matches.
