Sam Konstas Replaces Nathan McSweeney for Boxing Day Test

Australia has dropped opener Nathan McSweeney from the squad for the Boxing Day Test against India, opting to include uncapped 19-year-old Sam Konstas instead. McSweeney's poor performance, with an average of 14.4 across six innings, prompted selectors to make the change after a series of low scores. Konstas has been in excellent form, scoring a century in a warm-up match against India A and notable runs in domestic cricket, including a recent 56 in the Big Bash League. Selector George Bailey expressed confidence that McSweeney has the potential to succeed in the future but highlighted the need for a different batting lineup due to the team's struggles at the top order. Additionally, Scott Boland is expected to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the bowling attack. The Australian squad aims to restructure for the final two Tests of the series, which is currently tied at 1-1.