New Delhi, August 7(HS): Cricket Australia has announced the Australia A squad for the tour of India, scheduled for September, featuring Sam konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Oliver Peak, and Campbell Kellaway. Notable omissions include Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, Curtis Patterson, and experienced openers Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw. The tour will consist of two 4-day matches beginning September 16, aimed at providing young players with experience that could benefit the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2027.
19-year-old opener Sam konstas made his Test debut in Melbourne, scoring a fifty amid a controversial exchange with Kohli. McSweeney was dropped due to poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The selectors clarified that performances on this India tour would not influence Ashes selection, which will rely on the Sheffield Shield's first three rounds starting in October. Selector George Bailey highlighted the value of developing techniques for subcontinental conditions.
The team also includes Test spinner Todd Murphy, who previously took 7 wickets on debut against India, alongside off-spinner Corey Rochiccioli and left-arm all-rounder Cooper Connolly. Fast bowlers Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett, and Fergus O'Neill complete the squad, while Josh Philippe is designated as the sole wicketkeeper.
Australia A Four-Day Team:
Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neil, Oliver Peak, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott.
Australia A ODI Team:
Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jack Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Calum Vidler.
Australia A vs India A match schedule:
September 16-19: First four-day match – Lucknow
September 23-26: Second four-day match – Lucknow
September 30: First ODI – Kanpur
October 3: Second ODI – Kanpur
October 5: Third ODI – Kanpur
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
