Fri Dec 20 06:13:26 UTC 2024: ## Australia Swaps Openers, Bolsters Squad for Crucial India Tests

**Melbourne, December 20, 2024** – Australia has made significant changes to its squad for the remaining two Tests against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Nathan McSweeney has been dropped from the team, replaced by 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who impressed with a 107-run score against India’s Prime Minister’s XI in November.

The changes come as the series is currently tied 1-1, with the fourth Test set to begin in Melbourne on December 26th. Besides Konstas, Sean Abbott, Beau Webster, and Jhye Richardson have been added to the squad. Injured pace bowler Josh Hazlewood is out, with Scott Boland expected to fill his position.

The updated Australian squad is: Pat Cummins (captain), Travis Head (vice-captain), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, and Beau Webster. The changes signal a determined effort by the Australian selectors to regain momentum in the high-stakes series.

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