Nineteen-year-old Sam Konstas is set to debut in the Boxing Day Test, becoming the 468th Australian men’s Test cricketer. This will make him the youngest Australian Test debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011.
Konstas’s inclusion was confirmed by coach Andrew McDonald on Tuesday, ahead of the fourth Test between Australia and India. He will be the youngest player to wear the Baggy Green since an 18-year-old Cummins debuted in 2011.
Konstas struck 107 from 97 balls against India three weeks ago in a practice match. India’s attack in Canberra that day included Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja.
The last time Konstas played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he made 73 not out for Australia A against India A.
Konstas will become Australia’s youngest ever Test opener and fourth youngester debutant when he steps up to the MCG. But McDonald said he had the temperament to succeed.
“He’s been very similar to what I’ve seen on the outside … he’s composed, relaxed,” McDonald said.
“He’ll play Boxing Day, so I’ll get that one out of the way.
“What he’s shown is an array of shots and an ability to put pressure back on his opponents.”
However, Travis Head‘s participation in the crucial Test against India is uncertain. He suffered a quad strain during the third Test at the Gabba.
“He picked up a quad strain during the third Test at the Gabba.” said McDonald.
McDonald expressed confidence in Head’s recovery but acknowledged there were still fitness tests to be cleared. The coach remains hopeful Head will be fit to play.
Head, who didn’t train on Monday due to the issue, did get involved on Tuesday with a short stint in the nets when he received throw downs for about 20 minutes.
Head had a lengthy chat with McDonald and team physio Nick Jones before returned to the dressing room.
Other batters Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, meanwhile, had extended periods in the nets facing the likes of Mitchell Starc.
Scott Boland is near-certain to replace Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI. This despite McDonald’s prediction that the extreme heat expected on day one will make the MCG pitch less bowler-friendly than usual. McDonald anticipates a flatter surface due to the high temperatures.