Sam Konstas has received an early Christmas present – a Boxing Day debut to become the 468th Australian Men's Test player and the youngest since captain Pat Cummins at 18. Coach Andrew McDonald has put full confidence in the 19-year-old, but Travis Head remains under an injury cloud as the Aussies prepare for a crucial fourth Test against India.
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00:00One very happy, up and about, talented teen.
00:06And it was soon clear as to why.
00:11Composed, relaxed, knows his game, in a good place at the moment.
00:15And he'll play Boxing Day, so I'll get that one out of the way.
00:19Sam Constas has officially been confirmed as the man to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.
00:26What he's shown is a array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents.
00:30With the ledger sitting at one all, Australia need to put the pressure back on India.
00:35And they're hoping their most informed batter, Travis Head, will be there.
00:39Head is the leading run scorer for the series, but he's been battling a small quad strain.
00:44The South Australian did train today, but he's still not in the clear.
00:48Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has.
00:50So that's what you would have seen.
00:52There's no concern at the moment. Has he been officially ticked off? I'm not sure.
00:56The rest of the team will be announced tomorrow.
00:58Still, McDonald couldn't help giving away the return of a Boxing Day hero.
01:02I don't think I'm coming to the grand Boxing Day if Scotty's not in the XI.
01:05As for the visitors, no one can question the loyalty of their fans who line the nets outside the MCG.
01:11But who they can expect to see out in the middle come Thursday remains to be seen.
01:16We are certainly considering the weather factor and all of that.
01:20Whatever we have to do to make the best possible XI in these conditions, we'll try and do that.
01:27Whether it is playing an extra spinner or not.
01:29It's been no secret it's been well publicised.
01:31The Indian cricket team has had a few run-ins with the Australian media.
01:34But when Rohit Sharma was asked about it today, he had no concerns.
01:39I'm not aware of what kind of treatment has...
01:44Preparation that set up a fiery match.