Uncapped batsman Nathan McSweeney is set to open for Australia in the first Test against India in Perth later this month.
The South Australian captain will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, ahead of previous openers Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and teenager Sam Constas.
The 25-year-old batsman was a middle-order batsman in the state, but he scored 14 and 25 runs in Australia A’s opening match win by six wickets against India A recently at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. .
McSweeney came to bat at number four against India A in Mackay a week ago, and after scoring 39 runs in the first inning, he hit an unbeaten 88 in the second inning.
The right-hander has averaged 97 points and scored 1250 points in two games in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield this season.
Last year, he scored 762 runs in 10 first-class matches at an average of 40.10, weighed three tons and also scored a half-century.
Commenting on McSweeney’s selection in the 13-man squad, which also includes wicketkeeper and batsman Josh Inglis, Australian selection committee chairman George Bailey said: “Nathan has been a great addition to Test “He has shown qualities that we believe will prepare him well for competitive cricket.” In domestic cricket.
“His performances in South Australia and Australia A favor him and support our view that he is ready for opportunities at Test level.”
Steve Smith started alongside Khawaja after David Warner retired at the start of the year, but he averaged 28.50 and a best 91 in eight innings against West Indies and New Zealand, before returning to number four against India. It turns out.
After the Perth Test, Australia will face India in Adelaide (from December 6), Brisbane (from December 14), Melbourne (from December 26) and Sydney (from January 3).