Sam Konstas, McSweeney named in Australia A squad for India tour in September

India Today

5 days ago

Australia's national selection panel has announced a 14-member men's squad for the upcoming A tour of India in September. Among the notable inclusions are Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney, who are set to play key roles in the two four-day matches scheduled in Lucknow.The tour comprises two four-day games in Lucknow, followed by three one-day matches in Kanpur. The squad has been selected with a long-term vision, aiming to develop young talent in subcontinental conditions ahead of future challenges - most notably, the five-match Test series in India in early 2027. Notably, Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha and Kurtis Patterson - all of whom impressed in the recent Australia A series against Sri Lanka A - have not been included.advertisement"The sub-continent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilise different skills with bat and ball. We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future sub-continent tours," said George Bailey, chair of selectors, explaining the selection philosophy.
Konstas had a strong domestic season for New South Wales in the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield, amassing 652 runs from nine matches at an average of 40.75, including two centuries and three fifties. The right-hander, who has featured in five Tests for Australia, endured a challenging series against the West Indies recently but remains in the mix for Ashes selection. McSweeney, representing South Australia, also impressed with 478 runs in six matches at an average of 43.45, including one hundred and three fifties.Joining Konstas and McSweeney for the red-ball leg are Xavier Bartlett, Campbell Kellaway, Lance Morris, Fergus O'Neill, Ollie Peake, Josh Philippe and Corey Rocchiccioli. These players will return home in time for the opening round of the Sheffield Shield season."For many of these players, we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well. But balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season," Bailey added.Looking further ahead, the selectors have also taken early steps to build their spin resources for 2027, naming Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, and Corey Rocchiccioli - all of whom are being considered for future tours of the subcontinent.Australia A four-day squadXavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam ScottAustralia A (one-day squad)Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum VidlerAustralia A Tour ScheduleSept 16-19: Australia A v India A, LucknowSept 23-26: Australia A v India A, LucknowSept 30: Australia A v India A, KanpuradvertisementOctober 3: Australia A v India A, KanpurOctober 5: Australia A v India A, Kanpur- EndsMust Watch