Australia's team announced for the first Test against India, this uncapped player will open with Khawaja

Australia has selected a 13-member team for the opening Test match against India in the eagerly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, which will take place in Perth. Two uncapped players, Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis, were unexpectedly added to the Cricket Australia selection list for the Test match beginning on November 22. In light of the 2023–25 World Test Championship final, this series is crucial for both countries. Whether the visiting team or the hosts win in this series is still up in the air.

Nathan McSweeney, who impressed during Australia A's recent tour against India A, is likely to open with Usman Khawaja. His selection has also been supported by former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting praised McSweeney's technique and temperament in an ICC review episode.

The chairman of selectors at Cricket Australia, George Bailey, expressed confidence in McSweeney's readiness for the game: Nathan has shown qualities that lead us to believe we will prepare him well for Test cricket. Along with this, his recent record also looks good in domestic cricket.

A surprise entry in the team is given to Australia's white-ball cricket star Josh Inglis, who has been preferred considering not just his versatility and razor-sharp wicketkeeping but the exceptional recent form in the Sheffield Shield. That is a reason for his selection. He might be uncapped in Test cricket, but his experience in all formats makes him give depth to Australia's bench strength.

Australia's team for the first Test: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.