Australia have included a total of `13 players in their squad for first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against India which will commence from November 22 in Perth. Uncapped batters Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis have earned their call-ups for the high-profile series.
McSweeney’s inclusion means that he will most probably be opening the batting for the Baggy Greens alongside Usman Khawaja. The uncapped player pipped the likes of Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas in the race to the top.
McSweeney captained Australia A to a 2-0 win over India A in the recent 2-match unofficial Test series on home turf. He recently also played a brilliant knock of 137 for South Australia against Queensland in domestic cricket.
“Nathan (McSweeney) 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,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
The other uncapped player named in the squad is wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who is coming off a fantastic campaign in the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia. Inglis smacked centuries against both Queensland and Tasmania leading up to his Australia selection.
“Josh (Inglis) 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,” Bailey said.
Australia squad for first Test against India: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc
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