Why batting prodigy Sam Konstas believes he is ready for Test debut ahead of Boxing Day versus India

Rising star Sam Konstas has declared he is now a better batsman than the one who started the summer with two centuries for NSW, as selectors assess the Australian squad for Boxing Day.

Konstas, the shining light of the next generation of cricket, has returned to the selection debate after Australia’s shaky top flight failed again at the Gabba.

Although Australia have been the better team in the last two Tests, the draw in Brisbane has left the series at 1-1 and India are just one win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Selectors were due to meet on Thursday to discuss plans ahead of the fourth Test in Melbourne, with a squad to be announced as early as Friday.

Australia are guaranteed to make one change to their squad, with local hero Scott Boland expected to replace Josh Hazlewood following his series-ending calf injury.

It also remains exciting during Australia’s opening matches, with neither Usman Khawaja nor Nathan McSweeney able to secure their place against the rampant Jasprit Bumrah this summer.

Konstas, 19, thrilled the crowd with a rapid-fire half-century for the Sydney Thunder in their BBL match against Adelaide on December 17 in Canberra

Khawaja turned 38 on Wednesday and has now gone 11 Test innings without scoring a half-century.

His series average of 12.6 is also the lowest of any Australian opener in a home Test series of at least three matches since Matthew Elliott against South Africa in 1997.

McSweeney was brave in Adelaide, but still has to show that the opening role is good for him, having only batted there for the first time for Australia A last month.

Konstas, meanwhile, is emphatically knocking on the door in domestic cricket.

The 19-year-old has averaged 55.83 this summer and entered contention in October when he became the youngest player since Ricky Ponting to hit two tons in a Sheffield Shield match.

And sooner or later he pays attention to a baggy green.

“I understand the scenarios of the game and when to take on the bowlers,” Konstas said.

‘I am [also] trying to mature as a batsman….it [batting awareness] is an area I have improved in.”

Konstas has scored 107 against India for the Prime Minister’s XI, a Sheffield Shield 88 for NSW and a quickfire 56 for Sydney Thunder in the BBL in the last three weeks.

He also enjoys the chance to pick David Warner’s brain alongside the veteran for the Thunder.

“Every time I play with him, I try to learn from him,” Konstas said.

“He taught me to be fearless and take on the game. Whatever happens, happens.”