Uncapped batter Nathan McSweeney will open for Australia within the first Check in opposition to India in Perth later this month.
The South Australia captain will associate Usman Khawaja on the high of the order after being most well-liked to earlier openers Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in addition to teenager Sam Konstas.
The 25-year-old bats within the center order for his state however did open for Australia A within the current six-wicket win over India A on the Melbourne Cricket Floor, scoring 14 and 25.
McSweeney batted at No 4 in opposition to India A in Mackay per week earlier, hitting an unbeaten 88 within the second innings after notching 39 within the first.
The correct-hander is averaging 97 from two matches for South Australia within the Sheffield Protect this season, with 100 and two fifties.
Final 12 months, he managed 762 runs in 10 matches at a mean of 40.10 within the first-class competitors, with three tons and as many half-centuries.
Talking about McSweeney’s choice in a 13-man squad, which additionally contains wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, Australia chief of selectors George Bailey stated: “Nathan has displayed the attributes we imagine will equip him effectively for Check cricket, together with a robust current report in home cricket.
“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and helps our view he’s prepared for the chance at Check degree.”
Steve Smith opened alongside Khawaja following David Warner’s retirement in the beginning of the 12 months however averaged 28.50 throughout eight innings in opposition to West Indies and New Zealand, with a better of 91, and can return to No 4 in opposition to India.
After the Perth Check, Australia will play India in Adelaide (from December 6), Brisbane (from December 14), Melbourne (from December 26) and Sydney (from January 3).
