Australia has been engrossed for weeks in a heated debate over who should take the spot left open in the batting order by the season-ending injury to all-rounder Cameron Green.
With Steve Smith’s brief period as a Test opener already signalled as being over, McSweeney has been given the nod to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order when the first of five Tests against India gets under way on November 22.
Uncapped English-born batter Josh Inglis was also named in the 13-man but he is expected to provide injury cover for wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
“He’s a player whose growth is on a great trajectory, a very organised, composed player at the crease who has a game that will suit Test cricket,” Bailey said. “In the 15 or so (Sheffield Shield) games he’s been batting for South Australia, I think he’s been in before the 10th over about 20 times, so he’s had plenty of experience. I think his game and the way he plays, I don’t think the adjustment from three to opening will be too much.”
The other selection from outside Australia’s core Test team was Scott Boland, who looks set to reprise his role as backup paceman behind skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. “Scott has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad,” Bailey said.
After the opening clash, Australia and India go on to play a Day-Nighter in Adelaide before Tests in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
