Uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India, while Australia also handed a first Test call-up to Josh Inglis on Sunday. These two are the new faces in an expected 13-man squad announced by Cricket Australia just for the series opener starting in Perth on November 22.

The South Australian has emerged as a strong contender for the opening spot, gaining support from the likes of David Warner and Ricky Ponting. He was chosen ahead of specialist openings Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Konstas for the spot.

TEAM ???? The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner for the men’s national team, with 13 of our best ready and eager to take on India in Perth later this month. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QbRVJNmllw

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 9, 2024

“We’re very pleased with Nathan’s performance. I think over the last 12 to 15 months, we’ve seen a player whose growth is on a great trajectory,” chairman of selectors George Bailey said.

“He is a very organized player, composed at the crease and has a game that will suit Test cricket. He can probably talk more about it, but I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment to go from three to opening,” Bailey said. .

Uncapped Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis find place in Australia squad for first Test against India ????#WTC25 | #AUSvIND | pic.twitter.com/58ElYA6w7J

— ICC (@ICC) November 10, 2024

“I think in the 15 or so games he’s batted three for South Australia, he’s been in front of the 10th over 20 times, so he’s had a lot of experience. And like I said, his game and the way he plays, I don’t think the adjustment will be too big.” The 25-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield over the past two years, as well as his role as captain and batsman during the recently concluded A tour matches against India.

“Nathan has shown attributes that we believe will equip him well for Test cricket, along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket.” “His performances for South Australia and Australia A have weighed in his favor and support our view that he is ready for opportunity at Test level.” Inglis, whose family immigrated to Perth from Leeds when he was 14, was appointed as Alex Carrey’s guardian.

The captain is in! A massive congratulations to South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney on his selection in the Australian men’s Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

McSweeney is joined by fellow South Australians Travis Head and Alex Carey, with the first Test… pic.twitter.com/9SwBlWX32U

— South Australian Cricket Teams (@SACricketTeams) November 9, 2024

The in-form wicketkeeper-batsman, who is leading Australia for the first time in the third ODI against Pakistan, was also rewarded for a fine domestic season that included two hundreds in the Sheffield Shield.

“Similarly, Josh had an excellent link-up in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test team,” Bailey added.

The pace unit will be led by captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, with Scot Boland filling the fast-back slot while Nathan Lyon is the sole specialist spin option.

Australia Squad for First Test:

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 and Mitchell Starc.