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Cricket Australia on Sunday, November 10 announced their 13-member squad for the opening Test of the highly-anticipated five-match Test series against India . Notably, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is of much importance to both the nations with the World Test Championship (WTC) Final set to be played next year in June at the Lord’s.
With CA announcing the squad for the first Test, set to commence from November 22 in Perth, several pundits questioned the selection of South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney, who is set to open alongside veteran Usman Khawaja. Among many, former Australia batter Michael Hussey also expressed reservations about CA’s decision to field McSweeney as an opener.
I would prefer a specialist opener: Michael Hussey after Nathan McSweeney’s selection
Speaking on Fox Cricket during the third ODI between Australia and Pakistan, former Aussie cricketer said, “I think it’s a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn’t opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash.”
Hussey even explained his statement by putting forth the examples of Simon Katich and Shane Watson, adding that they moved from middle-order to play at the top after some experience behind them. “It’s not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move. It’s a tough ask, and personally, I would (prefer a specialist opener), but I think the Australian selectors’ philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we’ll figure the order out after that,” Hussey added.
It is to be noted that McSweeney’s selection comes after his strong performance in the Sheffield Shield and in the match against India A. Earlier, while announcing the squad, Chief Selector George Bailey defending McSweeney’s inclusion stating, “I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment to go from three to opening. I think in the 15 or so games that he’s been batting at three for South Australia, I think he’s been in before the 10th over about 20 times. He’s had plenty of experience.”
Australia’s squad for Perth Test against India
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
