There have been two surprising choices for the first game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India as Australia named an initial 13-man squad on Sunday to choose from. In the squad two uncapped players have been included: Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis. McC Sweeney had a really good Sheffield Shield campaign that saw him preferred ahead of some established openers – Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Sam Konstas. Chief selector George Bailey has said McSweeney will open for Perth Stadium later this month along with Usman Khawaja in the order.

Nathan McSweeney Inclusion In Australia Squad

Prior to the India A series, he had never batted at the top of the order in first-class cricket, but still, he impressed selectors enough. After a mature 39 and then an unrunned 88 at No. 4 in the first India A game in Mackay, he was promoted to open in the second game at the MCG where he made 14 and 47, showing composure against the new ball. Although Harris scored 74, McSweeney’s steady cricket was enough to get him the opening slot for the Perth Test.

“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” 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.

Josh Inglis Also Included

“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.

Balanced Squad For Australia

“The squad is balanced and provides Andrew and Pat the options required for what shapes as a captivating series.”

Mc Sweeney, along with Josh Inglis who’ll lead the Australian side in the third ODI against Pakistan, also managed to sneak into the Test squad after a good run of form in the Sheffield Shield where he hit centuries in both the matches he played. It perhaps came as a surprise in his own camp as, historically, Australia prefers more backup bowlers instead of a shadow batter for home Tests. Still, the form that is outstanding from Inglis has left selectors with no choice but to have him in the bucket for a possible Test debut.

Australia Squad for 1st Test

Pat Cummins (c), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Marsh, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc