Opener Sam Konstas looks set to become the Australian men’s youngest batting debutant in 71 years in the Boxing Day Test against India.

The 19-year-old was called up to replace Nathan McSweeney last week after he managed just 72 runs in six innings at an average of 14.40.

The series is currently tied 1-1 with two games left to play.

“He’s composed, relaxed, knows his game is going well at the moment, he’ll play on Boxing Day,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said.

“We’re really happy for him, Boxing Day, the biggest stage. He might as well get this over with sooner.”

Konstas, from New South Wales, will be Australia’s youngest batting debutant since Ian Craig in 1953.

Earlier this season, Konstas scored two centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, becoming the youngest player to do so since Ricky Ponting in 1993.

McDonald said he was chosen to take the game to India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the bowlers having the upper hand in the series so far.

“We want to present India with a different challenge at this time,” McDonald said.

“We believe Nathan (McSweeney) is good enough for the Test level. We weren’t sure how the top order worked. We challenged ourselves for this decision. Whether it works or not, only time will tell (but) we are really confident that Sam can do the job.

McDonald was also “pretty confident” that Travis Head would be fit to play, although a quadriceps strain kept him from practicing on Monday.

The 30-year-old left-handed batsman scored 409 runs in the first three Tests, including two centuries.

McDonald also said paceman Scott Boland was likely to fill in for the injured Josh Hazlewood and confirmed all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was fit to play.

Skipper Pat Cummins will announce the rest of the Australian line-up on Wednesday. The game starts at 23:30 GMT.

There will be ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website and app, where video highlights will also be available (for all UK users only).