AUS vs IND: Australia have finally released their squad for the Opening test match ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The teams India and Australia will pin their hopes on the upcoming schedule to better their chances in the WTC, as either of these teams look for consecutive entries into the World Test Championship finals.
Aussies have solved their need for an opener, as Nathan McSweeney has emerged as the best option among the four players who were auditioning for the same. The Australia A skipper led them to two consecutive victories in the unofficial tests and will now feature alongside Usman Khawaja at the top of the Australian red-ball batting order.
Josh Inglis has also been drafted as the reserve batter into the Australian side. McSweeney was considered favourite for the opening role over Marcus Harris, who does not even make the Squad for the Aussie side.
Steve Smith will be seen back in the no.4 role, though Cameron Green’s position as a test all-rounder has not been occupied by any other all-rounder. Still, priorly Beau Webster was seen for the role.
Josh Inglis has instead made it to the squad as a reserve batter, and this though doesn’t ensure a place for him in the middle-order. However, Mitchell Marsh will be seen in the role of Australia’s all-rounder who comes into the middle order.
Australia’s Squad for the First Test: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc.
Australia’s Probable Playing 11: Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc.
