Australia Announces Squad for Final Two Tests Against India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
MELBOURNE – The National Selection Panel (NSP) has named a 15-player squad for Australia’s fourth and fifth NRMA Insurance Test matches against India, set to take place in Melbourne and Sydney. With the series tied 1-1, both teams will be looking to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the remaining matches.
Australia’s Squad
- Pat Cummins (c) – NSW/Penrith Cricket Club
- Sean Abbott – NSW/Parramatta District Cricket Club
- Scott Boland – VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club
- Alex Carey – SA/Glenelg Cricket Club
- Travis Head (vc) – SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club
- Josh Inglis – WA/Joondalup Cricket Club
- Usman Khawaja – QLD/Valley District Cricket Club
- Sam Konstas – NSW/Sutherland District Cricket Club
- Marnus Labuschagne – QLD/Redlands Cricket Club
- Nathan Lyon – NSW/Northern District Cricket Club
- Mitchell Marsh – WA/Fremantle Cricket Club
- Jhye Richardson – WA/Fremantle Cricket Club
- Steve Smith (vc) – NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club
- Mitchell Starc – NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club
- Beau Webster – TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club
Key Inclusions
- Sam Konstas: The 22-year-old has earned his maiden Test squad call-up, with selectors highlighting his distinctive batting style as a valuable addition.
- Beau Webster: The versatile all-rounder makes his return to the national squad.
- Jhye Richardson: Rejoining the side, Richardson provides depth in the fast-bowling department amidst Josh Hazlewood’s continued absence due to injury.
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Players Missing Out
- Nathan McSweeney: Despite his potential, he has been left out, with selectors affirming confidence in his future at the Test level.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey’s Remarks
Bailey emphasized the need for flexibility in structuring the playing XI for the final matches.
“The squad provides options as to how we structure the XI for the final two Tests of the series,” Bailey stated.
He acknowledged the challenges for batters at the top of the order during the series and highlighted Sam Konstas’ potential to bring a unique dynamic to the lineup.
“In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jhye provides further options in the fast-bowling space. It has been pleasing to see his successful return throughout the early part of the domestic summer,” he added.
Looking Ahead
With the series tied, the upcoming matches will determine the winner of the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The fourth Test begins on January 3 in Melbourne, followed by the final Test in Sydney starting January 11.
