File photo of Australia head coach Andrew McDonald.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the season to be jolly, Sam Konstas has found his Christmas gift. A Test debut for Australia in a Boxing Day Test Melbourne is a huge step and the host’s coach Andrew McDonald confirmed to the media that the 19-year-old will pair up with Usman Khawaja atop the order.
Explaining the rationale behind picking Konstas in Melbourne on Tuesday (December 24, 2024), McDonald said: “We had said leading into the summer that age was no barrier. What he (Konstas) has shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back onto the opponents. He gets his opportunity and we are really excited for him. Boxing day, the biggest stage (Melbourne Cricket Ground), you might as well get that one out of the way early. We want to throw a different challenge at India. We believe Nathan (McSweeney) is good enough for Test level but we weren’t sure about how the top order was functioning.”
The Australian coach also felt that Travis Head, nursing a niggle, is good to play: “I am pretty confident he will play. He looked good with the bat in hand. His skills are in good order. He had a small strain in the quadriceps but he has been able to do his running. I think he will be fully functional for the game.”
With the series level at 1-1 and the fourth Test all set to start on Thursday (December 26, 2024), McDonald offered his analysis: “Every game starts afresh. Both teams have similar challenges at the moment. Both bowling attacks have been on top and I think this wicket potentially might offer the batters a little bit more as the game stretches. But yeah I am not a big believer in history repeating itself so it starts afresh.”
The coach also backed Khawaja: “Usman is not a concern. I think the way he is preparing, the runs will come. Batting obviously in recent times has been quite difficult with ball dominating bats. Good players always return to the runs and I am sure that will be the case over the next couple of Tests.”
Published – December 24, 2024 02:39 pm IST
