Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, the National Selection Panel (NSP) announced the Australia A squad that would take on India A before the five-match Test series.
The two sides will take part in two first-class games which will be held in Mackay and Melbourne.
The former Australian skipper and now Chair of Selectors, George Bailey remains excited for their picks who have had strong performances in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season
“We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season,” Bailey commented.
The former Aussie skipper explained that the selection was based on those who are likely to perform if called up to the senior side and also to reward those who have been performing well in the domestic circuit.
“As always with Australia A selection we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer, whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield,” he shared.
“Australia A squads are pleasingly challenging to select which highlights the depth and talent coming through to accompany those more senior players on the edge of international recall,” he added.
Among the picks, it is to be noted that there are three opening batters selected for the two first-class games. This includes the likes of Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Sam Konstas.
Marcus Harris – An Opportunity to Nail His Spot
Harris has been in and out of the national side through the years. The 32-year-old opening batter last played for Australia in January 2022 at the Ashes. Despite his vast first-class experience, he has only represented the Australian side for 14 Tests.
Sam Konstas – Teen Prodigy On the Rise
Konstas is a 19-year-old opening batter who recently made his first-class debut for New South Wales. In his most recent outing in the Sheffield Shield, he managed to smash twin hundreds which has now earned him a call-up to the A-side. It would be a massive statement should Australia opt to go for the young teenager as their designated opener against a dominant Indian attack.
Cameron Bancroft – A Chance to Move On
Bancroft has not exactly had a shot at redeeming himself after the sandpaper incident in 2018. While the likes of David Warner and Steve Smith have moved on from the incident, a comeback against India could be a proving ground to show that he still can be a vital asset for Australia at the top of the order.
With a solid record in the first-class format, being a crucial batter for Western Australia in their title-winning run for the previous three editions, nailing his spot at the top of the order along with Khawaja could be the move for him.
Australia A Squad: Nathan McSweeney (c), Cameron Bancroft Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.
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