Uncapped McSweeney to open for Australia in first India Test

Nathan McSweeney is set to open the batting on his Australia debut in their first Test against India in Perth.

He will open alongside experienced batter Usman Khawaja, while the uncapped Josh Inglis is also included in the 13-man squad.

Australia are seeking a consistent replacement for the retired David Warner, with the 25-year-old being preferred to previous openers Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft.

McSweeney opened for the first time in first-class cricket against India A, and overall, has six centuries.

The first of the five-match Test series against India starts on November 22, with India winning the past four Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia squad for first Test v India:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc.

SQUAD The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is almost upon our men's national team, with 13 of our very best ready and raring to face India in Perth later this month #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QbRVJNmllw

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 9, 2024