Nathan McSweeney poised for debut as Australia name 13-man squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 1st Test
All-rounder Nathan McSweeney could debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Cricket Australia (CA) opted against a specialist opener for the first of the five Tests against India. The selectors have also named Josh Inglis as a spare keeper-batter in the 13-man squad.
Sam Konstas and Marcus Harris put the selectors in a dilemma after their performances with timely half-centuries in the second unofficial Test against India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While both failed to make the cut, they could still come into contention for any of the remaining four Tests.
McSweeney, who captained Australia A to a 2-0 series victory over India, scored 39 and an unbeaten 88 in the opening match at Mckay. The 25-year-old opened in the second four-day game at the MCG but managed 14 and 25. However, he looked comfortable during his second-innings tally of 25 runs, facing 69 deliveries. Overall, the Queenslander averages 38.16 with the bat in 34 first-class games.
Scott Boland is the only reserve bowler in the squad, with Michael Neser suffering from a hamstring strain sustained during the second unofficial Test.
Squad for first Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
"His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favor" - George Bailey on Nathan Mcsweeney
Chief selector George Bailey underlined that McSweeney's attributes have impressed the selectors, who feel he is ready for a crack at the Test level.
Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au:
"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 favor and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level. Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad."
The Test squad is set to assemble in Perth on November 17, five days before the opening contest. With Josh Inglis set to captain Australia in the T20I series against Pakistan and the third ODI on Sunday, November 10, it remains to be seen if he will be flown immediately to Perth to join the Test side.