Uncapped South Australian skipper Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja will open the batting for Australia against India in Perth during the opening Test of the eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The board has requested Josh Inglis’ services as the reserve batter in addition to the 25-year-old’s inclusion in the 13-man roster for the series opener starting on November 22.
The hosts were trying to find Khawaja a permanent opening partner in the Test lineup after David Warner retired in January. After briefly filling the void, Steve Smith has reverted to his regular number four position, creating a space for another player to take its place.
“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” Bailey stated. “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,” state national selector George Bailey is cited as saying.
incredibly fortunate and appreciative of the opportunity: Nathan McSweeney
With six hundreds to his name, the recently appointed opener has averaged 43.44 in first-class cricket over the last two years. McSweeney has little experience opening the batting, but he is realistic about the chance after scoring 14 and 25 at the MCG in recent Australia A games against India A.
“I didn’t really understand until I eventually received the news, and it has probably still not fully set in. There has been a lot of discussion about it. receiving a lot of pleasant messages. Very fortunate, and I’m thankful for the chance. “I don’t believe that switching from three to opening is a major adjustment,” McSweeney stated.
Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris, two well-known openers who were negotiating for the same position in the forthcoming series, were passed over by the selection panel. Harris’ 74-run performance against India A in the second unofficial Test was a compelling argument, but it wasn’t enough to guarantee his spot back in the Test squad.
Following his stellar domestic play, which included two Sheffield Shield hundreds this season, Inglis was added. at addition to being a batting option, the right-hander covers for Alex Carey at wicketkeeping.
Inglis will be included in the Test team after serving as captain for the current third ODI match against Pakistan and the ensuing T20I series.
Also Read: Reports: Gautam Gambhir to be axed ‘if things don’t work out in Australia’
Scott Boland has secured his position as the backup to Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, ensuring that the team retains its potent speed bowling contingent.
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