Teenager Sam Konstas to make debut in 4th test against India

MELBOURNE (REUTERS): Australian teenager Sam Konstas will make his debut in the fourth test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, team coach Andrew McDonald confirmed on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old batter was brought into the squad at the expense of Nathan McSweeney after Australia’s top order struggled for runs in the first three tests of the series, which is tied 1-1 with two games to play.

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“[Sam Konstas] knows his game in a good place at the moment, so he’ll play Boxing Day,” McDonald told reporters at the MCG.

“What he’s shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back onto opponents and he gets his opportunity. We’re really excited for him, Boxing Day, the biggest stage. He might as well get that one out of the way early.”

McDonald said he thought Travis Head would be fit to bat despite a quad issue and that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh would be fit to bowl.

The coach said captain Pat Cummins would reveal the rest of the Australia line-up for the match on Wednesday.