Australia announced the squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. The squad was more or less finalised and it was only a question of who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top, with Steve Smith confirmed to play at four. It was a toss-up for Australia between Cameron Bancroft, Sam Kontas, and Natham McSweeney and the Aussie put faith in McSweeney after his impressive show in the practice game against India A where he played knocks of 39, 88, 14, and 47 in four innings. Australia added Josh Inglis to the squad as well, however, he is a middle-order batter thus the chances of him getting a slot in the XI are grim.
Australia's Likely XI For 1st Test vs India
With the opening conundrum sorted, it will be an easy call for the selectors to pick the XI. Usman Khawaja and McSweeney will open the innings, followed by Marnus Labuschagne at three. Steve Smith will bat at number 4. Travis Head will come at number five, with Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey to follow. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon would comprise the lethal bowling attack.
Vital Series For India
Meanwhile, this is a vital series for India who need a 4-0 win over Australia to book a berth in the WTC final. India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final took a massive dip after a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand at home. Meanwhile, if India win the series 3-0, 3-1, 4-1, then can qualify for the WTC final if England manage to draw at least one Test vs New Zealand. In case of a 2-0 win, India will need England to beat New Zealand in at least one of their Tests. If India win the series 3-2, they will need England and Sri Lanka to win one Test against New Zealand and Australia respectively.Related News | 
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Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc (first Test only)