India vs Australia selection drama intensifies as Nathan McSweeney opens for the Aussies

In a thrilling twist ahead of Australia’s Test squad announcement, Nathan McSweeney has been given the responsibility to open the innings for Australia A in their second four-day match against India A at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting on November 7.

This selection move sends a clear signal of Nathan McSweeney’s potential elevation to Australia’s Test side for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at home. He will open alongside Marcus Harris against India A as the Australian selectors assess final options.

Nathan McSweeney’s promotion as Australia A opener hints at his Test selection

McSweeney, the Australia A captain, has never opened in first-class cricket but will partner Marcus Harris in a move that confirms they are the two frontrunners for the Test role, with Cameron Bancroft listed at No. 3 and 19-year-old Sam Konstas moving down to No. 4.

Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney has never opened in first-class cricket but will partner Marcus Harris at the top of the order. This move confirmed that McSweeney and Harris are the two frontrunners for the opening role at the Australia cricket team for the upcoming Test series.

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Cameron Bancroft, another contender for the Test squad, has slotted in at No. 3, while the 19-year-old Sam Konstas has moved to No. 4, making the competition intense for a slot in Australia’s squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India, starting on November 22 in Perth.

Meanwhile, the reshuffled batting order reflects Australia’s experimental approach to finalizing its lineup for the much-awaited Test series against India, as the national selectors weigh each player’s adaptability and resilience under pressure.

Australian selector to finalize Test squad during a second four-day game against India

Nathan McSweeney, a star in the making, showcased his skill in the first unofficial Test match by scoring unbeaten 88 and 39 against India A in Mackay. McSweeney’s performances have been closely monitored, and his ability to take on a leading role in high-stakes matches has earned him the selectors’ trust.

As the Australia A team tests out different combinations, the national selectors are leaving no stone unturned to find the two best options, with a reserve batting spot also up for grabs for India Tests.

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With only two batting spots up for grabs in the Test squad, the competition is fierce, and Australia will name a 13-player squad for the first Test against India in Perth.

Australia chair of selectors George Bailey stated: “As flagged prior to the series, the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series. We will use the opportunity this week to gather our final information before the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series following the Australia A match.”

Here's Australia A XI for the second four-day match vs India A:

Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney (C), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Konstas, Ollie Davies, Beau Webster, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Michael Neser, Nathan McAndrew, Scott Boland, and Corey Rocchiccioli.