Adam Gilchrist picks his Australian opener for the Border Gavaskar Trophy

The legendary Adam Gilchrist has shared his thoughts on Australia’s opening combination for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, suggesting that if the team sticks to their policy of having their best six batters in the top six, Josh Inglis should get the opportunity to open alongside Usman Khawaja. Since David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, Australia has opted to promote Steve Smith to the top of the order instead of bringing in a specialist opener. This strategy has allowed them to slot the talented all-rounder Cameron Green at No. 4.

Gilchrist’s comments came shortly after Cricket Australia’s announcement that Nathan McSweeney will partner Khawaja as an opener in the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on November 22. McSweeney, who will make his Test debut in this match, has previously opened the batting for the first time in his career during the second tour match between India A and Australia A. He is set to become Australia’s 467th Test cricketer.

Meanwhile, Josh Inglis, who has been in sensational form in the Sheffield Shield this season with 297 runs at an average of 99 in just two games, has been named in the Australia squad for the first Test against India in Perth. His impressive run of form makes him a strong contender for future opportunities, with many fans and pundits calling for his inclusion in the Australia Playing XI. 

"Inglis is in that squad as a reserve batter, which isn't traditionally what Australia does in home conditions. I think McSweeney will open but do they stick with the policy they had last year when we want our six best batters in Australia playing in the top six?" Adam Gilchrist commented on Fox Cricket.

Adam Gilchrist acknowledged that Nathan McSweeney’s solid defensive technique makes him a viable option to open the innings for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. McSweeney’s ability to see off the new ball and play long, patient innings fits well with the demands of Test cricket, especially in the high-pressure conditions of Australia’s opening Test against India.

However, Gilchrist also highlighted the attacking potential of Josh Inglis, who could bring a different dimension to the team’s top order. Inglis, known for his aggressive stroke play, has been in superb form in the Sheffield Shield, scoring 297 runs at an average of 99. Gilchrist believes that Inglis’ attacking mindset could work wonders for Australia, especially as they look to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after eight years. Inglis' ability to score quickly and take the game to the opposition could provide Australia with a valuable edge in the series, particularly in a fast-paced, attacking approach. With the Australian team looking to adapt and evolve, Gilchrist’s comments reflect the growing belief that Inglis may be a game-changing option in the top order, giving the team both stability and aggression when needed most.

"Nathan McSweeney's a fine-looking player. They see that his game is a little bit more suitable for opening the batting, whereas Josh Inglis knows how to attack. Offence is probably his best form of defence," Gilchrist stated. 

Australia squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy 1st Test

Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.