Much like Team India, the Australia Cricket Team also faces a massive headache regarding choosing their opening for the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Marcus Harris and Nathan McSweeney have been chosen as opening partners for Usman Khawaja for the upcoming IND vs AUS Test series.
Previously, it was the veteran David Warner who used to partner Usman Khawaja to lead the opening charge for the Aussies. However, after the former’s retirement from international cricket, Steve Smith stepped up to take on the vacant role. However, Steve Smith wasn’t too successful at the opener’s spot and then shifted back to his original spot at number 4.
Marcus Harris or Nathan McSweeney, who makes the cut?
After their recent antics for Australia A in the two matches against India A, both Marcus Harris and Nathan McSweeney were selected in the 13-member Australia squad for the Perth Test. But it still remains to be seen who makes the cut to partner Usman Khawaja on 22nd November.
While Khawaja has always been vocal about openers being specialist batters, the same isn’t the case with Nathan McSweeney. The South Australian uncapped player is a traditional number 3 as the dearth of openers for the hosts continues before the mega-important series against the India Cricket Team.
On the other hand, the crisis in choosing an opener for the Perth Test continues for India. If Rohit Sharma is unavailable for the opening Test, then either Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul, or even Shubman Gill can partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as opener against the Aussies.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD for the First Test vs India in Border Gavaskar Trophy:
Cummins (C), Travis Head, Boland, Khawaja, Steve Smith, Labuschagne, Starc, Hazelwood, Nathan Lyon, Mcsweeney, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis.
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