Changes Galore As Australia Announce Squad For Final Two Tests vs India: 19-Year-Old earns Maiden Call-Up (Source: AP)
Australia announced the squad for the final two Tests against India in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Nathan McSweeney, who opened with Usman Khawaja in the first three Test matches, was dropped following ordinary outings. Sam Kontas, the 19-year-old batter, was called in for the first time in Australia squad. Kontas was rewarded for a terrific run of form this season. After scoring back-to-back hundreds against South Australia in Sheffield Shield, he scored a century against India A in the practice game. He followed it up with 88 in the Sheffield Shield game against Western Australia before 27-ball 56 on BBL debut for Sydney Thunder.
Kontas, however, is not certain to play for Australia at the MCG. Australia have Josh Inglis in the squad as a back-up batter and the hosts might be tempted to play him ahead of Kontas. Meanwhile, the squad also saw Jhye Richardson return to the set-up as a cover for injured Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the series. Scott Boland, however, is likely to replace Hazlewood in the XI. Brendan Doggett, who was called in as cover when Hazlewood was first injured in Perth, failed to make it to the squad but Sean Abbott was retained.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been thrilling so far. India started the series with a bang and thrashed Australia by 295 runs in the series opener in Perth. Australia though roared back in the series with a crushing 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The hosts dominated the third Test at GABBA and were poised to take a lead in the series but rain played spoilsport as India escaped a defeat.
The teams will head to Melbourne Cricket Ground for the 3rd Test with the series tied at 1-1. Australia planned the first three Tests in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane so that they don't have to worry about the final two Tests, but they find themselves still a fair way away from a series win.
This is a must-win series for both teams in terms of the World Test Championship final. The winner of the series will confirm a berth in the series while if the series ends in a draw, one of them could be knocked out if South Africa beat Pakistan 2-0. The finalist will then be decided by Australia's result on the Sri Lanka tour.
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
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