Australia has finally announced their 13-member squad for the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, starting on November 22.
Australia have confirmed A team's captain Nathan McSweeney as the new opener who will walk out to bat with veteran Usman Khawaja. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been added to the Pat Cummins-led squad as well as a reserve batter.
"Nathan has displayed the attributes 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 weighed in his favour and supports our view that 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 first Test squad," Australia's national selector George Bailey said.
Apart from two uncapped players, speedster Scott Boland was also named in the team. He has been named as the reserve pacer to provide backup to captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, who are likely to lead the pace attack.
The Test squad will assemble in Perth next Sunday, November 17, five days before the opening Test.
Australia's squad for Perth Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc