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“As noted before the series, the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey. “We will take the opportunity this week to gather our final information ahead of the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series after the Australia A match.”
Australia will name a 13-player squad for the first Test with two batting spots up for grabs as they will also take a reserve.
McSweeney was the standout batsman in the first match against India A in Mackay, leading the chase home with an unbeaten 88 having made 39 in the first innings batting at number 4.
“I’m very confident in my game. I’m progressing and I’m batting some of the best innings I’ve ever played,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay after the match. “Hopefully I can continue to learn and improve. If the opportunity comes, I feel like I’m ready.”
“If not, I’ll keep working hard and hopefully one day I’ll get that call-up. “The only thing I can worry about is making sure my game is in good order. “I have to keep trying to make runs.”
Among the three specialist openers in the XI, Harris’s 36 in the second innings was the highest score they achieved.
But regardless, McSweeney is now a realistic candidate to fill the role for the first Test against India in Perth.
Another option would be for him to bat at his usual number 3 spot with Marnus Labuschagne moving up, something captain Pat Cummins did not rule out.
“It could be done,” Cummins said before the first ODI against Pakistan. “Maybe once we start discussing who’s on the team, then we’ll start looking at the batting order.
“Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] and I’ve said it enough: where you bat is not that important. You’re trying to figure out how the batting order as a whole will work best. “I don’t think anyone should be very protective of a certain point.”
Australia A XI 1 Marcus Harris, 2 Nathan McSweeney (captain), 3 Cameron Bancroft, 4 Sam Konstas, 5 Ollie Davies, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Jimmy Peirson (week), 8 Michael Neser, 9 Nathan McAndrew, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Corey Rocchiccioli
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