NEW DELHI: Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old opener from Australia, prepares for a possible Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day.
Cricket great Michael Hussey has hailed his call-up as an “exciting” chance. Nathan McSweeney was dropped after just three Test matches, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among players and commentators.
Following a series of lackluster performances since making his debut last month, in which he failed to score more than 10 runs in five of six innings, McSweeney was left off the list. Despite his potential, the 25-year-old’s failure to adjust to the demands of opening at the Test level-especially when facing the moving ball-proved costly.
Although McSweeney didn’t specialize in opening at the domestic level, head selector George Bailey acknowledged that dropping him was a “really hard decision” because he was put in an unusual position.
“I get the dream come true, and then it didn’t quite work out the way I wanted,” he told 7 News Adelaide.
“But it’s all part of it, I’ll get my head down and get back in the nets and work really hard, and hopefully be ready to go for the next opportunity. It’s the game we’re in; if you don’t take your opportunity and you’re not performing as well as you want to, your position’s never safe.
“I missed out a few times with the bat and unfortunately wasn’t able to take my opportunity, but as I said I’ll work really hard to make sure if the opportunity comes round again I’m definitely ready.”
Australian cricket legends have differing views on McSweeney’s omission. Hussey acknowledged the difficult circumstances for openers this summer and voiced sympathy for the young batter.
“I really feel for McSweeney. I think it’s tough on him. Tough call,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket.
“I don’t know (if it was the right call). It’s a tough one on him. It’s not easy. The ball’s been moving around quite a lot for the openers. A lot of batters at the top of the order have been battling away.
“Let’s look at the other side, and it’s so exciting for a player like Sam Konstas.”
Michael Clarke, however, was more critical of the selections, claiming that McSweeney was not given an equal opportunity to make a name for himself.
“This could end Nathan McSweeney’s career. They picked him, he deserved the summer. What happens if Usman Khawaja retires in two Tests? Does McSweeney come back, or does he go to the back of the queue?” Clarke questioned on his Beyond23 podcast.
The focus now turns to Sam Konstas, the teenage prodigy who has won accolades for his outstanding work in every format. His case for national selection was strengthened by his recent performance, which included a cool 56-run knock for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Hussey, who witnessed Konstas’ innings in person, commended the youngster’s aggressiveness and disposition.
“I was very impressed. It was the first time I’d seen him live,” Hussey said of Konstas’ half-century for the Thunder.
“What an occasion to make your Test debut. Boxing Day Test against India, opening the batting, and he’s only 19 years of age. Wow. What a story,” Hussey said.
Australia’s faltering top order, which has seen several difficulties this summer, is anticipated to benefit from Konstas’ newfound vigor and bravery.
Adam Gilchrist, a former Australian wicketkeeper, thinks Konstas’ bold play against the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL game secured his Test call-up.
“It’s that innings that tipped it in his favour. His aggression, his desire to score-it’s been horribly challenging for that Australian top order, and I think he’s ready to take it on,” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.
