Nathan McSweeney left out of Boxing Day Test squad, Sam Konstas debut, squad announcement, Border Gavaskar Trophy, latest news

Despite only making his Test debut last month, Nathan McSweeney is reportedly set to be left out of the Boxing Day squad, with teenage sensation Sam Konstas in the frame to replace him.

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According to reports from CODE Sports and the Sydney Morning Herald, the South Australian captain is expected to be left out of the squad for this summer’s fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, which is due to be announced on Friday afternoon.

CODE Sports reported that on Thursday evening, a behind-the-scenes campaign for Konstas led to him being added to the Boxing Day squad; although reserve hitter Josh Inglis also remains in the mix to play.

McSweeney had never opened at the state level before his call-up, facing a baptism of fire against one of the best Test bowlers in the history of the sport in Jasprit Bumrah.

He has failed to make more than 10 in five of his six Test innings so far, with the selectors apparently unsure about his position.

Konstas and Victorian pistol Marcus Harris were also candidates to open the batting before the start of this series.

Australia selectors and Pat Cummins would unveil their squad for the MCG Test on Friday, with Scott Boland set to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

Inglis and Beau Webster will likely also be included, with a chance to debut if McSweeney is omitted from the team as expected.

Despite his lack of racing, the South Australian told Nine News: “This whole summer has been a dream come true, and without a doubt (I have) a lot to learn, and hopefully a little more of time in the middle to come.”

The 25-year-old made 88 runs against India A in early November and has scored two centuries for South Australia this domestic season.

Former national selector Merv Hughes warned on Thursday that selecting Konstas would be a mistake, saying Australia’s batsmen were “hiding from nothing” on the fifth day of the third Test.

“It would have been a bold move to bring him in at the start of the season,” Hughes told News Corp of Konstas.

“Now that would almost be a call to panic for me. There’s not much they can do with the schedule at the moment. 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.