Named after two cricketing legends – Allan Border from Australia and Sunil Gavaskar from India, the Border–Gavaskar Trophy is a renowned Test cricket series contested between Australia and India. Showcasing the finest cricketing ability from both countries, the series has generated tough rivalry, memorable events, and heated fights.

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Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ponting, Healy back McSweeney for Test selection

Former players Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have backed Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney to take over the vacant opening slot in the national team for the marquee Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting in Perth on November 22.

With David Warner calling it quits earlier this year and Steve Smith set to return to the his preferred number 4 spot, Australia are in need for an opening partner for Usman Khawaja.

The likes of McSweeney, Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris are vying for the vacant spot.

McSweeney has scored 291 runs in his previous four innings, which has included a century in the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup.

Currently leading Australia A, McSweeney has made a strong impression. Batting at No. 4, the 25-year-old played a steady knock in the first inning and was leading the charge in the second essay in the first unofficial Test against India A.

Ponting believed that if Australia intended to return to Bancroft and Harris — both of whom have previous Test experience — they would have done so after Warner’s retirement.

Instead, the Australian think tank experimented by sending Smith to open, a strategy that did not yield significant results.

(PTI)