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Sam Konstas To Debut, Mitch Marsh Dropped; Australia's Probable Playing XI For MCG Test

Debashis Sarangi

Cummins might drop Mitch Marsh for MCG Test [Source: AP]Cummins might drop Mitch Marsh for MCG Test [Source: AP]

In a significant development, Australia have announced their squad for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. While Josh Hazlewood misses out due to a calf injury, Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the team because of his poor recent form. 

It's certain that Sam Konstas, who struck a blistering hundred for Australia Prime Minister's XI in the warm-up fixture against India, will make his Test debut. He will open the batting with Usman Khawaja, who would like to regain his mojo following several underwhelming outings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

Despite struggling with poor form, Marnus Labuschagne will likely get another opportunity to prove his mettle at number three, with veteran batter Steve Smith following him at number four. India's perennial nemesis Travis Head will bat at number five unless his injury rumours turn out positive and sideline him from the game. 

God forbid, if Head gets ruled out due to a potential groin injury, Josh Inglis might replace him at number five, as Australia are unlikely to persist with Mitchell Marsh after his horrendous batting performance in the BGT. 

Beau Webster To Replace Out-Of-Form Mitch Marsh?

Hailed for his scintillating stroke-play, Mitch Marsh has been a pale shadow of himself in the series, managing only 69 runs across five innings at a horrible average of 13.80. Furthermore, his injury-prone body left Australia with two genuine pacers after Hazlewood's injury setback. 

So, given that he has been a burden with bat and ball, the hosts might replace him with promising all-rounder Beau Webster, who has been prolific across formats. In 93 First-Class matches, Webster has struck 5297 runs besides scalping 148 wickets at an average of 37.4. 

On the other hand, Australia's bowling unit will witness a solitary change, with Scott Boland replacing Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI. 

Australia's Probable Playing XI For MCG Test vs India

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland