Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Nathan McSweeney wins race to Test squad spot ahead of other opening contenders

South Australian Nathan McSweeney is poised to open the batting for Australia, winning the captivating race to the vacant spot for a bumper five-Test series against India.

But West Australian Josh Inglis has also bolted into the team as a reserve batter after a dominant start to the season.

McSweeney made two Sheffield Shield centuries this season and an unbeaten and match-winning 88 to win the spot ahead of Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas and the struggling Cam Bancroft.

Inglis has been named as the reserve in the 13-man squad for the first Test of the series in Perth from November 22.

The wicket-keeper batter has not opened in first-class cricket previously but could offer flexibility to replace any player inside the top six.

The 29-year-old is a regular in both of Australia’s white-ball teams and will captan the country for the first time in a one-day international at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Scott Boland is the reserve bowler in the side, beating Michael Neser to the spot after the Queenslander suffered a hamstring strain in Australia A’s match on Thursday.

McSweeney is posed to partner veteran Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, despite only opening in first-class cricket for the first time in the tour match against India A that finished at the MCG on Saturday.

It would be a remarkable debut for the 25-year-old, who shifted from Queensland to South Australia because he could not break into the Bulls’ side that include new international teammates Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.

“Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket,” selection chair George Bailey said.

“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and supports our view 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.

“Scott has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad.”

There was otherwise no surprises in the squad, announced by selection chair George Bailey in Melbourne on Sunday.

It is the latest blow in Bancroft’s long bid for a Test recall. The veteran West Australian has scored no more than 16 in any first-class game this summer, including two auditions at No.3 for Australia A, despite being the most prolific domestic batter in the country for the past two season.

More to come