'He is ready for the opportunity': Selectors make call on hotly contested Test spot
Updated . First published at
Australia A skipper Nathan McSweeney has won the battle for the vacant opening batting spot in Australia's Test cricket team.
First reported by 9News Melbourne's Tom Morris, McSweeney — usually a No.3 for South Australia — will make his Test debut against India and open with Usman Khawaja.
Stand-in ODI captain Josh Inglis has been named as the spare batter and backup wicketkeeper with Test hopeful Marcus Harris left out completely.
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Scott Boland has been picked as the reserve fast bowler while Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head have been included after paternity leave.
"Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket," chair of selectors George Bailey said.
"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.
Nathan McSweeney of Australia A bats at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Getty
"Similarly, Josh 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 (coach) Andrew (McDonald) and (captain) Pat (Cummins) the options required for what shapes as a captivating series."
McSweeney, Harris and teen sensation Sam Konstas all had their moments in a three-way selection battle during Australia A's two matches against India A.
McSweeney scored 47 and 39 at No.4 in the first match.
He was then promoted to opener for the second match — seemingly pitted against Harris for one final audition.
McSweeney then scored 14 and 25.
When Harris made 73 in the first innings, a Test recall appeared possible but his chances were then hurt in the second innings after he was dismissed for a golden duck.
The first Test starts on November 22 in Perth with matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to follow for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia's squad for first Test
Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Mitchell Starc
