BREAKING: McSweeney set to be axed, teen star could debut in big Boxing Day change

Despite making his Test debut only last month, Nathan McSweeney is reportedly set to be axed for the Boxing Day squad, with teen sensation Sam Konstas in the frame to replace him.

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According to reports from CODE Sports and The Sydney Morning Herald, the South Australian captain is set to be dropped from the squad for the fourth Test of this summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is to be announced on Friday afternoon.

CODE Sports reported that as of Thursday night, a behind-the-scenes push for Konstas had him poised to be added to the Boxing Day squad; though reserve batter Josh Inglis also remains in the mix to play.

McSweeney had never opened at state level prior to his call-up, facing a baptism of fire against one of the best Test bowlers in the history of the sport in Jasprit Bumrah.

He’s failed to make more than 10 in five of his six Test innings to date, with selectors reportedly uncertain surrounding his position.

Konstas and Victorian gun Marcus Harris were also candidates to open the batting prior to the start of this series.

Australian selectors and Pat Cummins will reportedly unveil their squad for the MCG Test on Friday, with Scott Boland set to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.

Inglis and Beau Webster will likely also be included, with either a chance to debut should McSweeney be omitted from the team as expected.

Despite his lack of runs, the South Australian said to Nine News: “This whole summer has been a dream come true, and no doubt [I have] plenty of learning to do, and hopefully some more time in the middle to come.”

The 25-year-old made 88 not out against India A in early November, and has hit two centuries for South Australia this domestic season.

Former national selector Merv Hughes warned on Thursday that selecting Konstas would be a mistake, declaring the Australian batsmen were “on a hiding to nothing” on day five of the third Test.

“It would have been a bold call bringing him in at the start of the season,” Hughes told News Corp of Konstas.

“Now it would almost be a panic call to me. There’s not that much they can do with the scheduling now. All the state players are into Big Bash mode.

“Just stay calm. They drew the last Test. The last two Tests have been a draw and a win, so what is there to panic about.”