Sam Konstas locked in as Marnus Labuschagne's replacement for IND vs AUS Tests

Australian cricket is humming with excitement as the 19-year-old batting sensation Sam Konstas has emerged as a serious contender for Marnus Labuschagne's spot in the Test team. Konstas’ explosive century against India in the pink-ball warm-up game at the Manuka Oval showcased his immense potential amid the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

With his stunning century for the Australia Prime Minister's XI against India, the young Australian batter has cemented his place as a rising star. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne's struggles continue, with a dismal Test average of 25 this year and an underwhelming performance in the Perth Test.

Sam Konstas threatens Marnus Labuschagne's Test spot after stunning century against India

As critics question Marnus' poor form, Sam Konstas' sensational form hints at his Australian debut soon. With the debate over the No. 3 position heating up, former Australian pacer Damien Fleming said that Konstas is ready to take Marnus Labuschagne's place in the Test lineup.

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Ahead of the Day-Night Test between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval, starting on December 6, Fleming highlighted Konstas' impressive knock for the Australian Prime Minister's XI against India, saying how it significantly boosted the young batter's chance for a Test debut.

The former Australian pacer believes that it's only a matter of time before Konstas earns a spot in the Test team, depending on the performances of other batters in the ongoing five-match Test series against India at home. However, if a key player like Marnus Labuschagne continues to struggle, Konstas could step in sooner than expected, according to Fleming.

I can see Konstas coming straight in for Maruns in Australia's XI: Fleming

Damien Fleming told SEN: “What I love about what Sam did yesterday was he enhanced his reputation, and that's all you can do. That was brilliant from him. He's going to play; it's just a matter of when, whether it's this summer or not. My feeling was that an Aussie fan and commentator is that he doesn't play this summer because everyone else scores a lot of runs. But a failure for someone like Marnus means I can see Konstas coming straight in for him.”

Notably, Marnus Labuschagne's position in the Australian Test team remains secure until the Day-Night Test, as the hosts have retained their lineup for the second Test against India in Adelaide. However, a poor performance in the Adelaide Test could prompt changes as Australia aims to solidify their spot in the World Test Championship Final.

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Currently, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney open for Australia, while Marnus is at No. 3 and Steve Smith at No. 4, with the latter struggling for runs. However, Smith can be given longer rope given his stature, but another poor outing would lead to Marnus’ exit from the team.

Australia squad for the Second Test against India:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney.