Opener Sam Konstas is set to become Australia men's
youngest Test batting debutant in 71 years in the Boxing Day Test against
India.
The 19-year-old was called up to replace Nathan
McSweeney last week after he managed only 72 runs across six innings
at an average of 14.40.
The series is currently tied at 1-1 with two matches left to
play.
"He's composed, relaxed, knows his game is in a good
place at the moment, he'll play Boxing Day," said Australia coach Andrew
McDonald.
"We're really excited for him, Boxing Day, the biggest
stage. He might as well get that one out of the way early."
New South Wales' Konstas will be Australia's youngest
batting debutant since Ian Craig in 1953.
Earlier this season Konstas scored two centuries against
South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, becoming the youngest player to do so
since Ricky Ponting in 1993.
McDonald said he has been selected to take the game to India
at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with bowlers having had the upper hand in the
series so far.
"We want to throw a different challenge at India at
this point in time," said McDonald.
"We believe Nathan [McSweeney] is good enough for Test
level. We weren't sure about how the top order was functioning. We challenged
ourselves for that decision. Whether it works or not, time will tell (but)
we're really confident that Sam can do the job."
McDonald was also "pretty confident" Travis Head
would be fit to play despite a quad strain preventing him from training on
Monday.
The 30-year-old left-hand batter has scored 409 runs
including two centuries in the first three Tests,
McDonald also said that paceman Scott Boland would likely
come in for the injured Josh Hazlewood, and confirmed all-rounder Mitchell
Marsh was fit to play.
Skipper Pat Cummins is set to reveal the rest of the
Australia line-up on Wednesday, with the match starting at 23:30 GMT.
