Test stars pulled out of ODIs, as selectors show hand with batting switch

Australia’s Test stars will be rested for the final game of the one-day series against Pakistan, as selectors gave their strongest indication yet on their top pick in the opener’s race by promoting Nathan McSweeney to the top of the Australia A order for this week’s game.

Pace aces Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and senior batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will all miss the third one-day international in Perth to focus on preparations for the heavyweight Test series against India.

Nathan McSweeneyCredit: Getty Images

Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been appointed captain for the third ODI and the ensuing Twenty20s against Pakistan. His appointment as Australia’s 30th male ODI captain and 14th T20 leader is a sign of who selectors have in mind to succeed Cummins and Mitch Marsh as future leaders.

Hazlewood, who joined the ODI squad in Adelaide for the second game, will swap the white ball for the red to play a Shield match in readiness for the Tests against India.

Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Josh Philippe have been called into the ODI squad, joining tearaway quick Lance Morris.

“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field,” selection chair George Bailey said.

“He has led Australia A previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.

“Josh will receive great support from the likes of Matt Short and Adam Zampa, along with senior players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.”

Selectors had planned for McSweeney to bat in the top three for this game and his ascension to the opener’s position for Australia A, officially unveiled by head selector George Bailey on Wednesday, points further to him being the warm favourite to walk out with Usman Khawaja against India in Perth later this month.

But twin failures in this week accompanied by a big score from Marcus Harris would give selectors plenty to ponder.

Josh Inglis will captain Australia’s white-ball sides.Credit: Getty Images

Many judges, including former opener David Warner, have pointed to McSweeney and Harris as the most likely pair of batters to be added to the 13-man Test squad when it is formalised at the end of the Australia A game.

Teenager Sam Konstas has dropped down to No.4, a sign that his early season charge for a Test berth is fading at the same time as McSweeney’s star rises. Cameron Bancroft remains at No.3.

McSweeney has no experience opening, but has been a No.3 batter since moving from Queensland to South Australia.

“As flagged prior to the series the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series,” Bailey said. “Nathan McSweeney will open the batting and Sam Konstas will move to No.4.

“Jimmy Peirson and Ollie Davies come into the team for Josh Philippe and Cooper Connolly, who has joined the ODI squad.

“This match also gives us the chance to deploy a fresh bowling group in Scott Boland, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser and Corey Rocchiccioli after the three-day turnaround between games.

“We will use the opportunity this week to gather our final information before the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series following the Australia A match.”

Australia A team in batting order: Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Konstas, Ollie Davies, Beau Webster, Jimmy Peirson, Michael Neser, Nathan McAndrew, Scott Boland, Corey Rocchiccioli.

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