The in-form McSweeney’s move to the opener’s position for Australia A is a precursor to his likely role opposite Usman Khawaja against India in Perth later this month.
Bailey unveiled the batting line-up to face India A on Wednesday morning, with McSweeney accompanying Marcus Harris at the top of the order.
Josh Inglis will captain Australia’s white-ball sides.Credit: Getty Images
Many judges, including former opener David Warner, have pointed to McSweeney and Harris as the most likely pair of batters to be added to the 13-man Test squad when it is formalised at the end of the Australia A game.
Teenager Sam Konstas has dropped down to No.4, a sign that his early season charge for a Test berth is fading at the same time as McSweeney’s star rises. Cameron Bancroft remains at No.3.
Loading
McSweeney has no experience opening, but has been a No.3 batter since moving from Queensland to South Australia.
“As flagged prior to the series the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series,” Bailey said. “Nathan McSweeney will open the batting and Sam Konstas will move to No.4.
“Jimmy Peirson and Ollie Davies come into the team for Josh Philippe and Cooper Connolly, who has joined the ODI squad.
“This match also gives us the chance to deploy a fresh bowling group in Scott Boland, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Neser and Corey Rocchiccioli after the three-day turnaround between games.
Loading
“We will use the opportunity this week to gather our final information before the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series following the Australia A match.”
Australia A team in batting order: Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Konstas, Ollie Davies, Beau Webster, Jimmy Peirson, Michael Neser, Nathan McAndrew, Scott Boland, Corey Rocchiccioli.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.