Cricket Australia on Friday announced a 17-player squad to play two upcoming first-class matches between Australia A and India A. They will play the two four-day games in Mackay and Melbourne. Respectively, starting from October 31 and November 7.
Meanwhile, Australia is using these matches to assess players on the fringe of an international call-up. Or working their way back into the side ahead of a busy Test summer.
George Bailey, Chair of Selectors, in a statement from CA, said, “We are excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season.” Bailey was quick to point out that this squad tries to focus on giving selection to those who can make compelling cases for the upcoming Test matches while recognizing players with good form in domestic cricket.
Nathan McSweeney will lead the Australia A side for these games. The right-handed batsman is no stranger to this role. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the team in both matches. All-rounder Beau Webster, named the Shield player of the season, earned a place in the squad. Webster might also come into contention for a slot in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
The only squad member who will play in both teams is young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, with his ODI debut against England. Being picked into the ODI squad against Pakistan and the Australia A squad. His versatility makes him such an important asset to the team.
Cameron Bancroft has been waiting since 2019 for a return to the Test team. And will be putting in an earnest effort in these matches to stake a strong claim. Performances in these could lead to him pushing for a Test recall. Another gunning for a slot will be young off-spinner Todd Murphy. More often than not, selectors have pushed Murphy behind in favor of Nathan Lyon. Now, this is his time.
Meanwhile, Marcus Harris is always keen to burst into the Test team seen for some time as a replacement for David Warner. Also among the hopefuls to make an impression will be the experienced pacer Scott Boland. Save for his excellent debut against England in 2021, Boland has still hardly been able to find a place in the team. Because of the presence of an established pace trio – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.
Another exciting talent in the squad is youngster Sam Konstas, who recently became the third youngest player to score twin centuries in a Sheffield Shield match.
Bailey also spoke about depth in their squad, which would give an excellent opportunity to all players before the busy Test summer.
ANI
