 "Australia squad vs India: Toss up between Inglis-McSweeney for openers slot")
Cricket Australia has unveiled a 13-member squad for the first Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, set to begin on November 22 in Perth. The announcement on Sunday highlighted key inclusions, with Nathan McSweeney earning his maiden call-up to the Test side following impressive performances in the Australia A vs India A unofficial Tests.
Josh Inglis in contention for Test debut
Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is also in contention for a Test debut after being named in the squad. Despite being previously ruled out as an opening batter by George Bailey, chairman of selectors, his recent form in the Sheffield Shield has strengthened his case.
Uncapped batters spark speculation on batting order
The squad includes two uncapped batters, McSweeney and Inglis, along with only one confirmed vacancy in the Australia playing 11. This has fueled speculation about a potential shake-up in the batting order, as selectors consider options beyond the opening slot.
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With Scott Boland securing his spot as the reserve pace bowler, McSweeney’s inclusion appears certain. George Bailey expressed confidence in the young batter, saying, "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 support our view that he is ready for the opportunity at Test level."
He also commended Inglis, stating, "Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad."
Australia’s preparations for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener are shaping up, with selectors focused on balancing experience and emerging talent in the squad.
"We are just really thrilled with Nathan's game. I think over the last 12 to 15 months, we have seen a player whose growth is on a great trajectory," Chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
"He is a very organised, composed player at the crease and he's got a game that will really suit Test cricket. He can probably speak more to that but I don't think it's a huge adjustment to go from three to opening, Bailey said.
"I think in the 15 or so games that he's been batting three for South Australia, he's been in before the 10th over about 20 times, so he's had plenty of experience. And as I said, his game and the way he plays, I don't think the adjustment will be too much.
The 25-year-old has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield over the past couple of years, as well as his role as captain and batter during the recently concluded A tour matches against India.
"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."
Inglis, whose family emigrated to Perth from Leeds at the age of 14, has been named as backup keeper to Alex Carrey.
The in-form wicketkeeper batter, who is leading Australia for the first time in the third ODI against Pakistan, has also been rewarded for a fine domestic season that included two hundreds in the Sheffield Shield.
"Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad," Bailey added.
The pace unit will be led by skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood and Scot Boland takes up the reserve quick's spot, while Nathan Lyon is the lone specialist spin option. Australia vs India Tests full schedule, Live match timings, venues
| India upcoming Test schedule - Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 | |||
| Date and Day | Against and match | Venue | Time |
| Nov 22, Fri - Nov 26, Tue | Australia vs India, 1st Test | Perth | Match starts at Nov 22, 7:50 AM IST/10:20 AM LOCAL |
| Dec 06, Fri - Dec 10, Tue | Australia vs India, 2nd Test | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Match starts at Dec 06, 9:30 AM IST/02:30 PM LOCAL |
| Dec 14, Sat - Dec 18, Wed | Australia vs India, 3rd Test | The Gabba, Brisbane | Match starts at Dec 14, 5:50 AM IST/10:20 AM LOCAL |
| Dec 26, Thu - Dec 30, Mon | Australia vs India, 4th Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | Match starts at Dec 26, 5:00 AM IST/10:30 AM LOCAL |
| Jan 03, Fri - Jan 07, Tue | Australia vs India, 5th Test | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | Match starts at Jan 03, |