Nathan McSweeney is set to open with Usman Khawaja for Australia against India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series in Perth, the Cricket Australia has announced on Sunday.
McSweeney has eked out the likes of Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Konstas, for the vacant position left originally by the retiring David Warner.
The 25-year-old has led Australia A to a 2-0 series win over India A. His innings of 39 and 88 not out in the first match of the A series saw him promoted to open in the second match, the first time he has opened the batting in his first-class career. McSweeney has been in stellar form in the Sheffield Shield, with the Queenslander averaging 85.6 runs a game in his last five matches for South Australia.
“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” said Chairman of selectors George Bailey.
“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favor and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at test level.”
The selectors played a wild card by also calling up England-born wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis who will captain Australia in the third one-day international against Pakistan on Sunday.
“Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield and deserves his place in his first test squad,” Bailey said.
Scott Boland has been favored as the extra fast bowler behind captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
“Scott has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad,” Bailey said.
“The squad is balanced and provides Andrew and Pat the options required for what shapes as a captivating series,” he added.
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