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The first Test of the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.
Nathan McSweeney is all set to open for Australia in 1st Test against India. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney, who scored an unbeaten half-century (88) against India A in the second inning of the first unofficial Test played in Mackay last week, has earned his maiden Australia Test call-up for the first Test of the upcoming five-match series against India. The series opener of the 2024-25 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22. Apart from McSweeney, who is set to open the innings, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis was also included in the 13-member squad.
29-year-old Inglis, who is all set to make his ODI captaincy debut for Australia on Sunday (November 10) during the third ODI against Pakistan, has never played a red-ball match for Aussies in the past. However, he has played 57 First Class matches so far and has 3029 runs to his name.
McSweeney, who opened the innings for Australia A in the second unofficial Test played at MCG earlier this week, is almost confirmed to make his debut in Perth after chief selector George Bailey said: “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.”
25-year-old McSweeney has played 34 First Class matches so far and has 2252 runs to his name.
“Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad,” Bailey said about the wicketkeeper-batter.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who are rested for the ongoing white-ball series against Pakistan, will return for the first Test and bat in the middle order, whereas Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the pace attack along with captain Cummins. Victoria pacer Scott Boland has been included as fourth pacer.
Australia squad for the first 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
