AUS A vs IND A: Batting Sensation Sam Konstas Called up to Australia A Squad For BGT Opening Slot Audition

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Teenage batting sensation Sam Konstas is set for an opening slot audition alongside Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft as Australia announced a 17-member 'A' squad, led by Nathan McSweeney, for the upcoming first-class matches against India A.

India A will play two first-class matches in Mackay (Oct 31-Nov 4) and Melbourne (Nov 7-10) against hosts Australia A, as a build-up to the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, scheduled to start on November 22.

The 19-year-old Konstas, who played in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, received a call-up following his twin centuries in the first match of the Sheffield Shield, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat since the legendary Ricky Ponting.

With all-rounder Cameron Green sidelined for six months due to a stress fracture in his lower back requiring surgery, and Steve Smith likely moving back to No. 4 after opening last season, Konstas will be eyeing the vacant opening slot alongside Harris and Bancroft.

Harris, who has 14 Test caps to his name, last played for Australia in 2022, while Bancroft's last appearance came back in 2019, having made 10 Test appearance from 2017. The Australia A squad also has Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster, who had also scored a hundred against Victoria in the Shield season.

"We are really excited by this squad, particularly after some of the tremendous performances to start the Sheffield Shield season," Australian Chair of Selectors George Bailey said.

"As always with Australia A selection we have picked a side we hope can present performances which are compelling for the upcoming Test summer, whilst also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we see as being important further afield.

"Australia A squads are pleasingly challenging to select which highlights the depth and talent coming through to accompany those more senior players on the edge of international recall.

"It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation looking to prepare for what is going to be a captivating summer of Test cricket."

Apart from Harris and Bancroft, the Australia A squad will also have Scott Boland, Cooper Connolly, Michael Neser and Josh Philippe with national team experience. Here is a look at the squad:

Australia A squad to face India A

Nathan McSweeney (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Boland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davies, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Jimmy Peirson, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Mark Steketee, Beau Webster.