McSweeney’s place in jeopardy as selectors assess prodigy’s debut, surprise ‘panic call’ to counter Bumrah’s brilliance

Nathan McSweeney could be dropped after three Tests as opener as selectors look for an answer to Jasprit Bumrah’s stranglehold on Australia’s top spot.

McSweeney is under pressure to retain his place after going past 10 just once in six innings in this series, with Bumrah claiming his wicket four times.

According to a report from The Australianteenage sensation Sam Konstas, who has dazzled in the Sheffield Shield, against India A and most recently with a lightning half-century for Sydney Thunder in the BBL, is set to be added to the Test squad for Melbourne.

Reserve batter Josh Inglis is also set to come into the team in the unusual opener position in order to carry the attack against Bumrah, according to a report from Age.

The Western Australia keeper usually bats in the middle order in first-class cricket, but he is a quicker scorer than McSweeney and could give a more positive start to Australia’s innings when the fourth Test begins on Boxing Day at MCG.

McSweeney, opening partner Usman Khawaja and opener Marnus Labuschagne struggled against the new ball, particularly against Bumrah, who has 21 wickets for the series.

The 25-year-old South Australian skipper averages 14.4 with Labuschagne (16.4) and Khawaja (12.6) also in the doldrums.

McSweeney, who was absent in both innings of the drawn third Test in Brisbane, told Nine he hoped to get another chance to prove he was at that level.

“Personally, it’s not ideal for me, but I think we played very well this Test and unfortunately the weather was not on our side. I’m looking forward to Boxing Day.

“This whole summer has been a dream come true, and without a doubt (I have) a lot to learn, and hopefully some more middle time to come.”

Selectors are expected to announce their squad on Friday for the fourth Test with rising NSW star Sam Konstas another option to add punch in the first match.

Former Test selector Merv Hughes said bringing in Konstas now would be a “panic call”.

“It would have been a bold move to bring him in at the start of the season,” Hughes said. The Daily Telegraph. “Now that would almost be a call to panic for me.

“There’s not much they can do with the schedule right now. All state actors are in Big Bash mode.

“Just stay calm. They drew lots for the last test. The last two tests were a draw and a victory, so there is reason to panic.

Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster is a chance to replace Mitchell Marsh who failed in both innings with the bat in Brisbane and had only two overs bowled.

Scott Boland is almost certain to replace Josh Hazlewood after injuring his calf at the Gabba with Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett and Xavier Bartlett in the mix to make the squad.