BGT 2024-25: Australia announce squad for Perth Test, Nathan McSweeney to open batting

Australia has named uncapped South Australian captain Nathan McSweeney to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Perth. Along with the 25-year-old’s inclusion, the board has asked for the services of Josh Inglis as the reserved batter in the 13-member squad for the series opener beginning on November 22.

Following David Warner’s retirement in January, the hosts were looking for a permanent opening partner for Khawaja in the Test team. Steve Smith briefly filled the opening role but has returned to his preferred number four position leaving a vacancy for another player to fill that role.

“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” Bailey. “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,” national selector George Bailey said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Very lucky and grateful for the opportunity: Nathan McSweeney

The newly appointed opener has averaged 43.44 in first-class cricket over the past two years with six centuries to his name. Despite minimal experience opening the batting, having recently played in Australia A matches against India A where he scored 14 and 25 at the MCG, McSweeney is grounded about the opportunity.

“There’s been a lot of talk about it, didn’t really know until I finally got the word, still probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Getting a lot of nice messages. Very lucky and grateful for the opportunity. I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment to go from three to opening,” McSweeney said.

The selection panel overlooked established openers, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, who were in talks to get a chance in the upcoming series for the same role. While Harris made a strong case with a 74-run knock against India A in the second unofficial Test, it wasn’t enough to secure his return to the Test team.

Inglis’ inclusion was made after his impressive domestic form, including two Sheffield Shield centuries this season. The right-hander not only provides a batting option but also a wicketkeeping cover for Alex Carey.

Inglis will join the Test squad after completing his duties as captain in the ongoing third ODI against Pakistan and the subsequent T20I series. The squad maintains its strong pace bowling contingent, with Scott Boland securing his place as backup to the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

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