Border Gavaskar Trophy: Australia announce surprise picks in Perth Test squad

Cricket Australia have announced a 13-member squad for the 1st Test against India in Perth.

Nathan McSweeny is all set to make his debut for Australia and fill-in the opener’s slot. On the other hand, Australia also named Josh Inglis as a surprise pick as a reserved wicketkeeper in the team. The 1st Test is all set to take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22. McSweeney has secured the opening slot for the Perth Test, edging out competition from seasoned openers Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, as well as promising youngster Sam Konstas.

“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 that 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,” Australia’s national selector George Bailey said.

Apart from two uncapped players, speedster Scott Boland was also named in the team. He has been named as the reserve pacer to provide backup to captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who are likely to lead the pace attack.

The inclusion of Josh Inglis, 29, came in as a surprise. However, Josh Inglis has been rewarded for his stellar form in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season. The West Australian wicketkeeper-batter has made a strong case for national selection with back-to-back centuries in Perth. Inglis scored 122 and 48 against Queensland, followed by an impressive 101 and an unbeaten 26 against Tasmania. His consistent performances showcased his readiness for higher honours and solidified his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter.

McSweeney has emerged as a standout performer, guiding Australia A to consecutive victories over India A in the past two weeks. The Queenslander, now leading South Australia, showcased his versatility in the opening match in Mackay. Batting at No. 4, McSweeney impressed with scores of 39 and an unbeaten 88, prompting selectors to promote him to the opener’s role for the second game at the MCG.

In his first-class debut as an opener, McSweeney scored 14 in the first innings. However, he showed greater composure in the second innings, facing 69 balls over 100 minutes to stabilise the top order. His efforts blunted India A’s fiery new-ball attack, which had earlier dismissed Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft for golden ducks. McSweeney also contributed a crucial 47-run partnership with Sam Konstas, further proving his adaptability and grit.

The Test squad will assemble in Perth next Sunday, November 17, five days before the opening Test.

Australia’s squad for Perth 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