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The fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series between India and Australia is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30.
Australia drop Nathan McSweeney for Boxing Day Test against India. (Picture Credit: AFP)
The National Selection Panel (NSP) has named a 15-player men’s squad for the fourth and fifth NRMA Insurance Test matches against India in Melbourne and Sydney.
Australia and India are 1-all in the Border Gavaskar Trophy with two matches to play.
Sean Abbott returns to the squad along with Beau Webster. Jhye Richardson has been added. Sam Konstas earns his first call up to the national squad. Nathan McSweeney missed selection.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: “The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series.
“Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further.
“We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.
“It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line up for the next two matches.
“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer.”
Australia: Pat Cummins (C), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
