Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: George Bailey Faces Criticism as Nathan McSweeney Dropped, Teen Sensation Sam Konstas Set for Debut

Australian chief selector George Bailey and his team have come under fire for excluding opener Nathan McSweeney from the squad for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. McSweeney, 25, debuted in the series and featured in the first three Tests but was omitted due to inconsistent performances.

Scoring just 72 runs across six innings, McSweeney showed glimpses of promise, particularly during a key partnership with Marnus Labuschagne in the Adelaide pink-ball Test. His efforts helped Australia secure a 10-wicket win in that match. However, his struggles against India’s formidable bowling attack led to his exclusion, despite senior players like Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne also enduring a poor run with the bat.

Replacing McSweeney is 19-year-old Sam Konstas, a rising star known for his aggressive batting. Konstas has impressed in the Sheffield Shield, with two centuries and 369 runs in six innings, and a standout century against India in a practice match. His recent Big Bash League exploits, including a blistering 56 off 37 balls, further highlight his readiness.

Bailey defended the decision, citing Konstas’ firepower at the top order as a key factor. He said:

I think the key around that [selection] was [around] his methodology and the way he plays. We believe it doesn’t change too much wherever he’s coming in the order. It hasn’t quite worked out as you’d like it to, but it’s still very much the start of his career.

However, critics argue that McSweeney, originally a middle-order player, was not given enough time to adapt to the opener role. Konstas will now partner Khawaja in the Boxing Day Test, becoming the youngest debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011.