The highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, aka BGT Test series 2024/25, is around the corner, and both India and Australia have already begun their preparations. While the visitors have sent KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel to play in the India A vs Australia A unofficial Test series, Australia are also using the same series to identify a suitable opening partner for Usman Khawaja. Several players have impressed, making them strong contenders for a spot in the BGT squad. Check out the three key candidates who could be Khawaja’s partner in the BGT later this month.
3 Players who could open for Australia alongside Usman Khawaja in BGT Test series 2024/25
Marcus Harris
Marcus Harris, a 32-year-old left-handed top-order batter, has put up a strong case in the India A versus Australia A unofficial Test series. He scored 74 off 138 balls in the first innings of the MCG Test, strengthening his case for the opening slot. However, he was dismissed for a golden duck in the second innings by Prasidh Krishna. Marcus Harris has seemingly done enough to be the opening partner of Usman Khawaja, but it will be interesting to see if Australian selectors pick him in the Test squad.
Nathan McSweeney
Nathan McSweeney, the captain of Australia A in the unofficial Test series, has shown solid form with the bat in recent times. The 25-year-old right-hander scored 39 off 131 in the first innings against India A, and followed it up with an unbeaten 88 in the second innings of the first Test. In the second Test at the MCG, he contributed a crucial 25 runs as an opener in the second innings to resurrect the Australia A’s innings, bolstering his claim for the opening spot.
Sam Konstas
Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old batting all-rounder, played a match-winning knock of 73 off 128 balls in the second innings of the second Test against India A at the MCG. This innings has put him in the conversation for the opening spot in Australia’s Test team. Despite this standout performance, his other three innings in the series were average in the Australia A colours.