BGT: Sam Konstas in line for Test debut against India, hints Australia head coach Andrew McDonald

As Australia gears up for the home Tests against India starting November 22 in Perth, head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at including uncapped opener Sam Konstas in the squad for the Border-Gavaskar series. Konstas, 19, has made headlines back home with successive hundreds in his first Sheffield Shield game this season, followed by a gritty 43 against Victoria on a tricky MCG pitch.

Since David Warner’s retirement from Tests earlier this year, Australia tried Steve Smith at the top, an experiment that failed, with Smith returning to his preferred number four position for five Tests against India. Though the selectors have kept a close eye on other contenders to partner Usman Khawaja at the top, including Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matthew Renshaw, the focus has shifted to Konstas, who is likely to make his Australia debut next month.

Meanwhile, Konstas will play for Australia A against India A in Mackay on Thursday (Oct 31). 

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The right-handed batter has featured in just six first-class matches thus far, with McDonald admitting his lack of experience will not stop the selectors from naming him in the Test side should they consider him the ideal choice to fill the vacant spot.

"I think we're picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we'll head down that direction," McDonald said during a chat with ABC's Offsiders. 

"And clearly Sam Konstas, on the back of his first Shield match, and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland, has definitely made some noise.

"I've heard people commentating 'do you protect the player?' If they're ready, they're ready in our mind, and if Sam's capable and we feel as though is capable to fill that spot I don't think that the opponent should come into the equation,” he continued.

Sam’s mentor Watson backs Konstas’ selection

Sam’s mentor and former Australia great Shane Watson also advocated for his selection for the Border-Gavaskar series, with McDonald saying they will not protect any player from any opponent, and knowing India is the strongest opponent, what’s better than playing him at home? 

"I think it's purely is this player good enough to play Test cricket?" McDonald said. 

"You've got to start against someone, and you shouldn't be holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent, and India is a strong opponent, but also, the advantage of a player playing in Australia for their first Test summer is that the conditions are familiar. What better place to start than in your own backyard,” he continued.

Meanwhile, besides Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney are the remaining four venues for India Tests. 

(With inputs from agencies)