But as a specialist opener, there is now every chance Konstas will debut in front of a crowd of over 90,000 at the MCG. If he plays, it will be only his 12th first-class cap, although he is already marked as a future international player from his youth.
“We remain confident that Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out. He has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batsmen throughout the series and we want offer the option of a different lineup for the next two games.
“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye offers more options in the fast bowling space. It has been a pleasure to see his successful return during the early part of the domestic summer.”
He also made a composed 73 not out in the second innings against India A at the MCG in early November, shortly before it was announced that McSweeney had won the selection race for the first Test.
However, McSweeney has not been alone in his struggles with Usman Khawaja averaging 12.60 in the series and Marnus Labuschagne at 16.40 despite a half-century in Adelaide.
After the Brisbane Test, captain Pat Cummins, who is not on the selection panel, praised the role McSweeney had played but acknowledged the top team’s lack of performance.
“I’ve been very impressed with the way he’s approached it,” Cummins said. “Even today, someone starting his career is still selfless enough to go out and try to make shots instead of trying to preserve and get a score. I’m really impressed with him, he probably hasn’t scored the runs that I would have liked it but he played some important shots that allowed him to win in Adelaide and get a really good result here.
“Obviously they [the top three] “We would hope to score more runs, we would like them to score more runs, but I think they have made some important contributions that others have benefited from.”
While the Konstas-McSweeney trade will get much of the attention, Richardson’s retirement is also significant after his string of injuries. He has been limited to just three Test matches since making his debut against Sri Lanka in January 2019, the last being a pink-ball game in Adelaide in 2021 when he took his first five-wicket Test haul against England.
Brendan Doggett, who was called up as cover when Hazlewood was first injured in Perth, is not part of this squad but Sean Abbott remains.
The decision to drop McSweeney comes just days after former Australia coach Darren Lehmann said he believes Bailey is too close to the players and incapable of making difficult decisions, something to which Cummins responded strongly.
“I don’t know how that [criticism] “It may be true,” Cummins said. “Choosing a side requires a lot more than just looking at the Internet. Sticking with really strong philosophies and working with players.
“The most important thing is to remain objective and I think the selection panel is incredible at that. They have made some really bold decisions in recent years across all formats. Probably bolder than what I have seen other selectors make in previous years . years, have never shied away from a difficult decision.
Australia squad for Melbourne and Sydney Tests against India
Pat Cummins (captain), 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
Andrew McGlashan is deputy editor of ESPNcricinfo
