Australia's predicted playing XI for Perth Test vs India

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 begins with a historic Test series between Australia and India, marking the first appearance of the teams in a 5-match format since the inaugural 1991-92 edition. The first Test at Perth's Optus Stadium seems to be a tough affair as both the teams would want to take an early initiative in the series. For Australia, this is going to be a redemption series as they seek to end a streak of four lost series to India and two in a row at home. 

Cameron Green is the only casualty to back surgery but the hosts are no short of a decent, pretty settled lineup looking to take on the challenge. Here's the Australia playing XI in the probable combination for the first Test with key men.

Australia's Predicted Playing XI for the Perth Test against India: 

1. Nathan McSweeney

Nathan McSweeney will step up as an opener with Steve Smith returning to his middle-order role. The youngster will make his debut after recent standout performances, including a match-winning fifty against India A, which highlights his readiness for the challenge. His average in first-class cricket is 42.25 over the last two years with 2 centuries.

2. Usman Khawaja

Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is entering the twilight of his career at 37. Khawaja has maintained an impressive record overall since 2022. But he certainly wouldn't want a disappointing 2024 where he averaged 30 across 5 Tests. Moreover, with Australia aiming to establish a strong foundation at the top, the veteran's outstanding home record will be crucial.

3. Marnus Labuschagne

Middle-order batter Marnus Labuschagne has a stunning record at Optus Stadium notching an average of 103 in three Tests with 3 centuries. He's an absolute banker for being resilient and for setting up the innings even though his form declined in 2024. Not only this but, Marcus is an important cog in the lineup of Australia's batting as well as in this high-stakes series.

4. Steve Smith

Another veteran batter, Steve Smith, returns to his favoured No. 4 position, where he has historically thrived. He holds a phenomenal average of 65 against India and has a career-best 200* at Perth. In what could be his last home series against India, Smith will be motivated to leave an indelible mark and also rediscover his status in the 'Fab 4.'

5. Travis Head 

India's arch-nemesis Travis Head is an exciting combination of aggression and consistency, averaging 42 in Tests. Counterattacking and changing momentum will be the key for Head while playing against India's dangerous bowling lineup. Head is known for game-changing innings and taking the match away from the opposition, and he has a certain recent record against India that catches the eye.

6. Mitchell Marsh

In Cameron Green's absence due to injury, Mitchell Marsh will provide cover as a batter and fourth pacer. Though he averaged 26.25 in the summer of 2024, Marsh has registered important scores at Optus Stadium, including 90 and 63*. Marsh needs to first and foremost show consistency with bat and ball to balance out the side so that Green's absence is not missed.

7. Alex Carey (Wicket-Keeper)

Australia's first choice of wicketkeeper since the retirement of Tim Paine, Alex Carey averages 24 with bat in hand. He will have to be much more prominent in the series to add depth to the batting order. His glove work will be critical against India's onslaught of spinners and pacers in testing conditions.

8. Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins will be leading Australia for the first time in a home Border-Gavaskar series. He has 50 wickets against India in 13 Tests at an average of 26. Cummins is a proven performer at Optus Stadium, with 12 wickets in four Tests at an average of 20.16. Hence, his leadership will be critical to Australia's success.

9. Mitchell Starc

Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is Australia's trump card. He holds an outstanding record at Perth, with 23 wickets in four Tests at an average of 19. But Starc will be expected to alter his average of 38.54 against India and pull the pace front with aggression.

10. Nathan Lyon (Spinner)

Nathan Lyon is Australia's leading spinner and has a great record at Optus Stadium (27 wickets at an average of 18). He has taken 121 wickets against India, including nine five-wicket hauls, making him a key weapon. Lyon is a bowler capable of breaking partnerships and exerting control in long spells.

11. Josh Hazlewood 

Josh Hazlewood is one of those bowlers who gets shadowed by Cummins and Starc but plays a vital role in accuracy and consistency. He played one of the most influential roles in India's 36-all-out in 2020 and has 51 wickets in 15 Tests against India. Also, exploitation of bounce and seam movement at Perth will be crucial for him.