Uncapped batter Nathan McSweeney will open for Australia within the first Take a look at in opposition to India in Perth later this month.
The South Australia captain will associate Usman Khawaja on the prime of the order after being most well-liked to earlier openers Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in addition to teenager Sam Konstas.
The 25-year-old bats within the center order for his state however did open for Australia A within the current six-wicket win over India A on the Melbourne Cricket Floor, scoring 14 and 25.
McSweeney batted at No 4 in opposition to India A in Mackay every week earlier, hitting an unbeaten 88 within the second innings after notching 39 within the first.
The appropriate-hander is averaging 97 from two matches for South Australia within the Sheffield Protect this season, with 100 and two fifties.
Final yr, he managed 762 runs in 10 matches at a median of 40.10 within the first-class competitors, with three tons and as many half-centuries.
Talking about McSweeney’s choice in a 13-man squad, which additionally contains wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, Australia chief of selectors George Bailey mentioned: “Nathan has displayed the attributes we consider will equip him nicely for Take a look at cricket, together with a robust current file in home cricket.
“His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level.”
Steve Smith opened alongside Khawaja following David Warner’s retirement in the beginning of the yr however averaged 28.50 throughout eight innings in opposition to West Indies and New Zealand, with a better of 91, and can return to No 4 in opposition to India.
After the Perth Take a look at, Australia will play India in Adelaide (from December 6), Brisbane (from December 14), Melbourne (from December 26) and Sydney (from January 3).
