Cricket Australia on Tuesday announced the Australia A squad for the upcoming series against India A in Puducherry later this month.
The National Selection Panel picked batters Sam Konstas, Peter Handscomb and Nathan McSweeney for the multi-day game amid calls for a re-haul of the Australian batting unit in Tests.
The Australian Test team will tour India for a five-match series early next year. The A series will thus have added significance for players looking to make a comeback in the international red-ball squad.
“We consider these tours an important part of performance and developing game styles in subcontinent conditions as part of our continued investment into the Australia A program,” selection panel head George Bailey said.
“It’s a strong representation of players who will be in contention to be part of the group we take to India next year or see as having potential for further opportunities into the future.”
Former Punjab cricketer Nikhil Chaudhary, who moved to Australia in 2020, has been picked for the ODI leg of the series.
Australia A will play two four-day matches and three one-day games, all in Puducherry.
The first four-day game will begin on September 22, with the second unofficial Test scheduled to start on September 29.The unofficial ODIs will be played on October 6, 9 and 11.
Australia A four-day squad:
Brendan Doggett, Jack Edwards, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott
Australia A one-day squad:
Mahali Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachlan Shaw
