Australia has announced a robust 13-player squad for the opening Test against India in the ICC World Test Championship, featuring two surprising new additions. The first Test, set to take place at Perth Stadium on November 22, marks the beginning of a five-match series critical to both teams’ positions on the championship leaderboard.
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Nathan McSweeney Set for Test Debut
Uncapped batter Nathan McSweeney has emerged as a strong contender for the opening spot, following an impressive performance for Australia A against India A. McSweeney, who scored a notable 156 runs against PNG in the U19 Cricket World Cup, has gained support from former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting expressed his confidence in McSweeney on a recent episode of The ICC Review, indicating he’s ready for the challenge alongside Usman Khawaja.
Josh Inglis: A White-Ball Star’s Test Opportunity
The second unexpected inclusion in the squad is white-ball sensation Josh Inglis. Known for his solid performances in limited-overs formats, Inglis earned his Test call-up after excelling in the Sheffield Shield. With Alex Carey likely to retain the primary wicketkeeping role, Inglis may serve as a backup, showcasing Australia’s depth in wicketkeeping talent.
Balanced Squad Ready for High-Stakes Series
Australia’s squad also includes experienced players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Steve Smith, ensuring a balanced lineup. Selection chair George Bailey emphasized the squad’s readiness, praising McSweeney and Inglis for their recent domestic achievements.
With the first Test starting soon, all eyes will be on Australia’s new talents as they aim to secure a strong start against India in this pivotal series.
