Nathan McSweeney set to be replaced by uncapped batter in Australia squad for BGT 2024-25 4th Test: Reports

Australia are set to make a major change to their opening combination midway through the Border-Gavaskar series. Nathan McSweeney is set to be dropped from the squad after just three Tests, with rookie sensation Sam Konstas entrusted to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India.

According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, the selectors are set to name the squad for the fourth Test on Friday, which will not include Nathan McSweeney. The opening batter's double failure at The Gabba in the third Test, coupled with Sam Konstas' heroics of late, prompted the management to make the huge call halfway through the five-match affair.

Both candidates have reportedly been informed of the decision. Konstas was involved with the Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season. He scored a 20-ball fifty on his debut match against the Adelaide Strikers on December 17.

McSweeney was the chosen candidate to open the batting after Steve Smith was restored to No.4 in the order. The right-handed batter faced a tough start to his career after failing to record double figures on his debut in Perth during the series opener. He then made amends with a crucial vigil against the pink ball in the first innings of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.

McSweeney particularly struggled against Jasprit Bumrah, being dismissed four times in five innings in the series so far. The right-handed opener scored only 13 runs across both innings in the drawn Test at The Gabba, resulting in the call to axe him, despite Usman Khawaja struggling equally from the other end.

The other change to Australia's playing XI is expected to be Scott Boland's return to the playing XI at the expense of the injured Josh Hazlewood. The latter is ruled out of the series due to a calf strain, sustained during the third Test in Brisbane.

Sam Konstas' recent exploits put pressure on McSweeney

The Australian selectors considered Konstas during their search for a new opener ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series. However, the lack of experience went against him, as McSweeney pipped him in the race. However, three Tests later, the dynamic has completely changed.

The youngster continued his rich vein of form, including a blistering ton for the Prime Minister's XI in the rain-curtailed warm-up clash against India before the second Test. He took on the likes of Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj to score 107 runs off just 97 deliveries.