Cricket Australia (CA) on October 14 announced 17-man squad for the two-match series against India A. 19-year-old New South Wales opener Sam Konstas will audition for the opening spot in Test team. Konstars scored twin centuries against South Australia in Sheffield Shield. 21 years after former captain Ricky Ponting, Konstas became the first to achieve it earlier this month on opening round of Sheffield Shield.
Nathan McSweeney will lead Australia A side comprising of senior players Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Michael Neser and others. Todd Murphy who replaced an injured Nathan Lyon on India tour is part of the squad as well. In addition, Bancroft will be auditioning for the opening spot too. He has not played a Test since 2019 and has been backed by former captain Mark Taylor to make a comeback.
Young 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly is the only player who is featuring in the Australia A squad and the ODI squad for home series against Pakistan next month.
The notable ommission from the squad is Matt Renshaw who was also considered as one of the contenders for the opening spot in the senior side.
"We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season," Australia national selector George Bailey said.
"As always with Australia A selection we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer, whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield.
"It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation looking to prepare for what is going to be a captivating summer of Test cricket."
The series will commence on October 31 at Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. The second and final match of the series will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting November 7.
Australia A squad for India A
Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Josh Philippe (wk), Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster
