MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) on Friday, announced a 15-member squad for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India, excluding emerging opener Nathan McSweeney and seasoned pacer Josh Hazlewood.
Sweeney, who played in all three Tests against India, failed to grasp the opportunity as the right-handed opener only managed to score 72 runs at a dismal average of 14.40 and the highest score of just 39.
Hazelwood, on the other hand, will miss the remainder of the series as he has been struggling with fitness issues.
As a result, Australia handed maiden Test call-up to 19-year-old Sam Konstas, rewarding the top-order batter for his twin centuries in the Sheffield Shield.
Meanwhile, pacer Jhye Richardson has also been recalled to Australia’s Test squad for the first time in three years as a cover for injured Hazlewood.
Chief selector George Bailey was pleased with the ‘successful return’ of Richardson before expressing his confidence in McSweeney’s abilities despite a forgetful start to the opener’s Test career.
“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer,” Bailey said.
“We remain confident Nathan [McSweeney] 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 at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different lineup for the next two matches.”
The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is set to kick off on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Australia squad for the fourth and fifth Test against India:
Pat Cummins (c), 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.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.