Nathan McSweeney axed for Boxing Day Test as teenage star Sam Konstas edges closer to debut

Nathan McSweeney's first stint in the Australian side has come to an end, with national selectors set to make a major change for the Boxing Day Test.

As first reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, the 25-year-old has been axed and it could potentially pave the way for teenager Sam Konstas to debut.

It would cap off a meteoric rise for the 19-year-old, who has already scored three centuries this summer and has been banging on the door of Test selectors.

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Cricket Australia have since confirmed the changes for Melbourne and Sydney.

"The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI," George Bailey said.

"Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further.

"We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out.

"It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line up for the next two matches."

McSweeney has reached double figures just once in six innings this series, struggling against spearhead Jasprit Bumrah at the top of the Aussie batting order.

His strike-rate of 34 has become a concern for selectors, who may also consider bringing in Josh Inglis in a bid to counter-attack the Indian pacemen.

McSweeney has not been a natural opener during his first-class career, spending the majority of his time at No.3 or No.4 at Sheffield Shield level.

Beau Webster, Sean Abbott and Jhye Richardson are also knocking on the door for a spot and have been included in the squad, while cult hero Scott Boland will get the chance to play on the MCG in the absence of Josh Hazlewood.

"In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast bowling space," Bailey said.

"It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer."

Australia Test squad vs India

Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis , Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster