Nathan McSweeney to Open in Border-Gavaskar Series

Cricket Australia has announced Nathan McSweeney as the new opening batsman alongside Usman Khawaja for the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar series against India in Perth. McSweeney, aged 25, has been selected due to his impressive domestic performances and his captaincy role in Australia A's series win against India A. This decision follows the retirement of David Warner and a brief unsuccessful trial of Steve Smith as an opener. Additionally, Josh Inglis has been included in the 13-member squad as a backup wicketkeeper-batsman after showcasing strong form in the Sheffield Shield. The squad, led by captain Pat Cummins, includes a formidable bowling lineup with experienced players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon. The series, starting on November 22, is significant as India has won the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies.