India A vs Australia A: Marcus Harris and Nathan McSweeney in Fierce Battle for Opener Spot, with Harris’ 74 Giving Him the Edge

Nathan McSweeney, who was tipped to make his Test debut, faltered in his final audition with Australia A against India A led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. In his first attempt as an opener, McSweeney failed to handle the new ball, leaving the door open for Marcus Harris to make a late push for the second opener’s slot. Harris responded with a solid knock of 74, which could potentially earn him his dream spot ahead of BGT. In the statement given by Sydney Morning Herald

Just when chief selector George Bailey and his panel think they have their man, they are made to think again. The race for a spot in the Australian top order has taken a late twist after Nathan McSweeney failed to tick the last box in his audition for a baggy green in Australia A’s clash with India A at the MCG.

The Victorian opener played with resilience, scoring 74 runs off 138 balls, including 5 boundaries, despite difficult conditions and a challenging green pitch. Harris survived a close caught-behind appeal from Tanush Kotian, leaving the umpires to debate whether the ball had edged his bat or had just hit his guard.

Having resumed play on 26 not out, Harris’ efforts absorbed the damage from dismissals of McSweeney (14) and Cameron Bancroft (3) earlier in the innings. With this crucial knock, Harris is now firmly in the race to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.