“They’re not worrying about the future as much” - Former Australia batter slams player selection for BGT 2024-25 4th and 5th Tests
Former Australia player Mark Waugh has shared his opinion on Sam Konstas replacing Nathan McSweeney for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25. The selectors made a bold call after only recently going all in for McSweeney as Usman Khawaja's partner in the top order after Steve Smith was restored to No. 4.
The right-handed batter was touted to be given a long rope, considering the challenge at hand against India pacer Jasprit Bumrah and the new ball. He showed glimpses of promise during the pink ball Test in Adelaide but failed to hit double figures in the ensuing contest at The Gabba.
Konstas, who was initially overlooked when Australia were searching for an opener, was called up after his impressive run of form across formats. The majority of former players believe McSweeney should have been entrusted with the role for a bit longer instead of axing him after just three games.
Mark Waugh feels Australia are only looking at short-term goals, which is the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series.
“I think they’ve picked the team on winning these last two Test matches, They’re not worrying about the future as much. You always keep an eye on the future, but this is a huge series and you’ve got the World Test Championship, that carrot dangling away as well," Waugh said on Fox Sports.
“So I think the selectors, they’re thinking about the MCG Test and the SCG Test. What’s our best team to win those two Test matches? And they think they need a bit more fire power at the top of the order with the bat, maybe.I mean, you couldn’t really drop one of the more experienced players, so it’s probably Nathan McSweeney just through process of elimination, actually," he added.
Nathan McSweeney issued a massive statement after being dropped from the Test squad. The batter scored a match-winning 78 off 49 deliveries for the Brisbane Heat in their last-ball win over the Adelaide Strikers in the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL).
"They’ve selected him with the thought process that they need a bit more positive stroke play" - Mark Waugh on Australia selecting Sam Konstas
Sam Konstas showcased some of his attacking prowess when he dismantled the Indian bowling attack in the pink ball warm-up match in Canberra. He had scored a quickfire ton to be back on the selectors' radar, who might be wishing more of such positive batting in the remaining Tests, according to Mark Waugh.
“He’ll open, I reckon he’s a certainty to open. I think they’ve selected him with the thought process that they need a bit more positive stroke play at the top of the order, particularly with Usman and Marnus struggling slightly. Nathan McSweeney wasn’t scoring either. So I think the young, more aggressive player will play for sure," Waugh opined in the same discussion.
The fourth Test between India and Australia will begin on Thursday, December 26, in Melbourne.