Australian selectors have announced Nathan McSweeney has been given the job of partnering Usman Khawaja at the top of the order for the First Test against India.
News Corp first reported selectors made a final decision to put McSweeney in the team for the summer opening Test at Optus Stadium in Perth, beginning November 22.
Josh Inglis has also been selected as the replacement batsman.
Victorian veteran Scott Boland was named as the reserve pace bowler in the squad, with little competition after injuries ruled out Michael Neser (hamstring) and Jordan Buckingham (side strain), and nationally contracted pair Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson yet to play a red-ball game this summer.
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That news has been confirmed in a statement from Cricket Australia.
“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.
“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level. “Similarly, Josh has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his 스포츠토토사이트 first Test squad. “Scott has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad.
“The squad is balanced and provides Andrew and Pat the options required for what shapes as a captivating series.”
McSweeney was far from convincing with his score of 25 as he captained Australia A against India A at the MCG this week. He scored just 14 in the first innings.
The race to partner Khawaja had been wide open with rising star Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft all pushing for the job.