South Australian skipper Nathan McSweeney will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test of the summer against India later this month after Marcus Harris missed out on a spot in Australia’s squad.
McSweeney, who has only opened the batting in one first-class match, has edged out the likes of Harris, Sam Konstas and Cam Bancroft to make his maiden Australian Test squad.
West Australian Josh Inglis is a surprise inclusion in Australia’s 13-man squad announced on Sunday morning ahead of the opening Test in Perth on November 22.
Head selector George Bailey has previously said Inglis wasn’t being considered as an opening batsman, which would indicate that McSweeney is poised for a Test debut.
Inglis has been one of the form batters of the Sheffield Shield this season, compiling 297 runs at an average of 99, and is putting pressure on incumbent wicketkeeper Alex Carey to ensure to he continues churning out runs.
McSweeney has 291 runs at 97 this year for South Australia, to go with scores of 39, 88 not out, 14 and 25 for Australia. The last two innings were as an opener.
Australian Test squad to face India
- Pat Cummins (NSW/Penrith Cricket Club) (c)
- Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club)
- Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Josh Hazlewood (NSW/St George Cricket Club)
- Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club) (vc)
- Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club)
- Usman Khawaja (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club)
- Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club)
- Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club)
- Mitchell Marsh (WA/Fremantle Cricket Club)
- Nathan McSweeney (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club) (vc)
- Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)
The 25-year-old will be the first specialist batsmen to debut for Australia’s men’s Test team since Will Pucovski in 2021.
Scott Boland has also been included alongside frontline quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Despite strong domestic records over the past two years, Harris and Bancroft’s Test careers are now under a cloud given both are in their thirties.
In a statement, Bailey said: “Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket.
“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level.
Nathan McSweeney in action for Australia A.Credit: Getty Images
“Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad.
“Scott has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad.
“The squad is balanced and provides Andrew and Pat the options required for what shapes as a captivating series.”
More to come
