Melbourne, Dec 24, (V7N) - Australia’s cricket team has turned to teenage prodigy Sam Konstas to open the batting in the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Tuesday. The 19-year-old is set to replace Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after three underwhelming performances this series.

McDonald praised Konstas for his composure and attacking ability, noting his readiness to take on the challenge of facing Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah.

“He’ll play Boxing Day,” McDonald said. “What he’s shown is an array of shots and the ability to put pressure back on opponents. It’s a huge stage, but he’s composed and ready.”

Konstas, who will become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011, earned his spot after a stellar domestic season. He made headlines by becoming the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same Sheffield Shield match and added a century for the Prime Minister’s XI against India.

The teenager faces a trial by fire, with 90,000 fans expected to pack the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Adding to the pressure, temperatures are forecast to soar to 40°C (104°F) on Thursday. Konstas will open the batting alongside veteran Usman Khawaja, who has struggled for runs this series.

Star batsman Travis Head, the leading run-scorer of the series with aggressive centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane, is recovering from a minor thigh strain sustained in the third Test.

McDonald expressed optimism about Head’s fitness. “He’s been running and progressing well. I’m pretty confident he’ll play,” the coach said, though acknowledging some minor hurdles remain.

The five-match series stands at 1-1 after India’s commanding 295-run victory in Perth was countered by Australia’s 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide. The rain-hit third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.

With the series finely balanced, all eyes will be on Melbourne, where Australia hopes Konstas can deliver on his promise and Head can continue his red-hot form to guide the team to victory.

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